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M  E  M  O I 


OP  THE 


EEV.  JACOB  J.  JANEWAY,  D.D. 


BY 


•/ 


THOMAS   L.   JAXEWAY,  D.D. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD   OF  PUBLICATION. 

821  Chestnut  Street. 
1861. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S60, 

By  James  Dunlap, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  in  and  for  the  Eastern 

District  of  Pennsylvania. 


ERRATUM. 


Page  219,  line  17,  for  1860  read  1826. 


*'\ 

'•\^i:;:ic;uGc::o;^r, 
PREFACE. 

In  adding  to  the  numerous  memoirs  of  departed  saints, 
of  which  the  modem  press  has  been  so  prolific,  some 
reason  may  be  required  for  the  appearance  of  this.  Dr. 
Janeway  for  a  long  period  filled  a  large  space  in  the 
affections  of  the  Church,  in  whose  behalf  he  laboured  so 
many  years.  Entering  its  ministry  in  its  early  history, 
he  was  permitted  to  grow  with  its  growth,  and  was  more 
or  less  identified  with  all  its  benevolent  developments. 
The  place  of  his  early  settlement  brought  him  into  con- 
tact with  the  chief  men  of  the  Church,  because  of  the 
annual  meetings  of  the  General  Assembly.  The  promi- 
nence and  evangelical  activity  of  his  congregation 
enlarged  this  communion.  His  hearty  support  of  the 
rising  schemes  of  our  ministers  and  educators,  endeared 
him  to  the  friends  of  that  great  principle — the  Church's 
duty  to  send  the  gospel  in  her  great  capacity  as  a  Church 
— for  which  honest  men  laboured  so  long,  and  struggled 
so  manfully,  and  which  so  many  of  them  lived  to  see 
crowned  with  such  abundant  blessings. 

Seeking  no  prominence,  he  was  an  earnest  Christian 
pastor  for  thirty  years,  conducting  the  interests  of  a  large 
and  influential  church.  In  their  esteem  he  lived — in  their 
unbroken  love  he  rejoiced.  This  memoir  is  designed  to 
evoke  the  secret  of  his  success — to  exhibit  his  inner  life, 
rather  than  the  outward — to  trace  the  stream  to  the  well- 
ing fountain  in  his  soul,  rather  than  to  follow  its  course. 
A  man  of   God,  who   held   deep   communion   with   his 


ly  PREFACE. 

Saviour,  and  whose  outward  life  was  so  free  from  the 
spots  of  God's  children,  because  of  his  fellowship  with 
the  Father,  and  with  His  Son,  is  presented  in  extracts 
from  his  private  journal,  whose  existence  could  hardly  be 
said  to  be  known,  till  after  his  decease.  To  extract  from 
that  diary,  and  connect  the  narrative  by  brief  links,  has 
been  the  pleasant  labour  of  the  compiler. 

Yet  has  he  been  fully  aware  of  the  difficulty  arising 
from  the  fact  of  his  filial  relation.  Not  ignorant  of  facts 
and  character,  he  is  in  danger  of  overstating  or  sinking 
below  the  truth.  Filial  partiality  may  be  pardoned,  if 
amid  these  difficulties  he  has  not  sketched  the  portrait  as 
it  lived.  Impressed  from  earliest  life  with  reverence  for 
a  character  which  was  as  saint-like  in  private  as  in  public, 
he  approached  to  a  task  which  was  laid  upon  him,  with 
no  small  embarrassment.  He  commits  it  with  its  imper- 
fections to  the  public,  with  the  full  confidence  that  tlie 
piety  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir  will  lose  none  of  its 
lustre  in  the  extracts  which  are  given  from  his  private 
journal.  He  would  fain  add  another  testimony  to  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  in  the  conversion  and  sanctifi- 
cation  of  one  who,  we  doubt  not,  beholds  the  face  of 
our  Father  in  Heaven.  And  it  is  his  humble  prayer  that 
these  "short  and  simple  annals"  of  one  who  devoted  all  his 
energies  through  a  long  life,  to  the  cause  of  his  Master, 
may  contribute  to  the  success  of  religion,  and  win  souls 
to  Christ,  by  the  gentle  nature  of  his  exhibited  piety. 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JAIEFAT. 


CHAPTER    I. 

Descent — Emigration  to  America — His  Birth  and  Conversion. 

Two  centuries  ago  there  existed  in  England,  and 
not  far  from  London,  a  remarkable  family,  bearing 
the  name  of  Janeway — remarkable,  not  for  anything 
which  the  world  esteems,  but  for  the  eminent  holi- 
ness which  adorned  them.  William,  the  father, 
was  a  minister  of  Christ,  together  with  four  of  his 
sons,  and  the  holy  life  and  triumphant  death  of  his 
son  John  is  cherished  amid  the  sacred  literature  of  the 
English  language."^  A  descendant  of  this  holy  seed 
was  an  officer  in  the  Koyal  nav}^,  in  the  reign  of 
William  III.,  and  on  a  visit  with  his  ship  to  this 
country  purchased  property  on  Manhattan  Island,  on 
the  edge  of  New  York,  which  then  hardly  passed  the 
present  Park  and  City  Hall.  Returning  at  a  sub- 
sequent period  to  New  York,  he  intermarried  with 
Mrs.  De  Meir,  and  became  a  resident.  He  was  en- 
trusted with  the  charter  of  Trinity  Church,  granted 
by  Queen  Anne,  of  which  church  he  was  named  by 
the  Crown  as  one  of  the  vestrymen,  and  brought  the 

*  See  Life  of  Janeway,  published  by  the  Board  of  Publication. 
2 


6  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

charter  to  America.  His  death,  judging  from  the  pro- 
bate of  his  will,  was  about  the  year  1708.  His  only 
son  and  surviving  child,  Jacob  Janeway,  settled,  on 
arriving  at  man's  estate,  in  Somerset  County,  New 
Jersey,  where  he  died  in  early  manhood,  leaving  a 
widow  and  three  children.  One  of  these,  a  daughter, 
died  in  her  minority,  and  the  eldest  son,  William,  was 
lost  at  sea.  The  survivor,  George,  bereft  of  his  father 
when  only  four  years  of  age,  and  of  his  energetic 
mother  when  twelve,  grew  up  in  ignorance  of  his 
right  to  the  property  purchased  by  his  grandfather, 
and  which  had  been  seized  and  was  held  by  the  City 
Corporation.  With  his  characteristic  energy,  he 
indentured  himself  to  a  carpenter,  and  assiduously 
applied  himself  to  his  business.  On  reaching 
man's  estate,  aided  by  friends,  he  commenced  a  suit 
against  the  city  for  the  recovery  of  his  property, 
and,  after  several  years  of  the  law's  delay,  recovered 
about  one  half  of  the  patrimony  of  his  fathers.  He 
lived  a  long  life,  honoured  by  his  cotemporaries ;  as 
alderman,  entrusted  with  important  duties,  and  died 
in  his  eighty-fifth  year,  from  mere  decay  of  nature, 
and  without  any  apparent  disease. 

Jacob  Jones  Janeway,  the  eldest  child  of  George 
and  Effie  Ten  Eyck,  was  born  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  November  20,  1774,  and  grew  up  amid  the 
religious  influences  which  surrounded  him  from  his 
birth.  His  mother  was  eminently  pious,  and  he 
speaks  in  his  journal  often  of  her,  in  terms  affectionate 
and  reverent.  She  died  soon  after  his  entrance  on  the 
ministry,  in  the  hopes  of  the  gospel,  after  a  period  of 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  7 

long  and  wasting  sickness.  His  parents  were  mem- 
bers of  tlie  Eeformed  Dutch  Churcli.  His  father,  an 
ardent  Whig,  was  compelled  to  leave,  with  his  family, 
when  the  British  troops  took  possession  of  N'ew  York. 
During  the  seven  years  of  exile,  tliQ^  family  removed 
repeatedly,  as  New  Jersey  was  ravaged  by  the  fre- 
quent incursions  of  the  enemy.  At  the  close  of  the 
war,  and  on  the  evacuation  of  the  city,  the  family 
returned,  where  he  remained  during  the  whole  course 
of  his  education. 

His  taste  for  literary  pursuits  was  gratified  by  the 
kindness  of  his  father,  who  gave  him  all  the  oppor- 
tunities the  city  aftbrded.  The  hope  of  his  mother 
was  that  he  should  enter  the  ministry ;  but  this  was 
suspended,  when  amid  the  corruptions  of  college  life 
his  mind  became  worldly  and  religion  had  no  charms. 
Until  the  age  of  eleven  years  he  went  to  an  English 
school.  He  then  commenced  the  study  of  Latin  and 
Greek,  preparatory  to  college  life.  At  fifteen,  he 
entered  Columbia  College  and  took  its  full  course  of 
four  years.  In  a  class,  comprising  young  men  of 
no  small  merit,  and  some  of  whom  afterwards  occu- 
pied positions  of  distinction  in  the  land,  he  maintained 
a  standing  so  high,  that  though  the  foremost  rank  was 
denied  him,  yet,  in  the  opinion  of  his  classmates,  and 
his  tutors  who  had  prepared  him  for  college,  he  had 
fairly  earned  the  chief  honours.  "  When  young,"  he 
writes,  "  my  own  inclinations  pointed  to  the  minis- 
try, but  I  afterward  changed  and  pitched  upon  the 
study  of  physic,  as  my  future  profession.  In  this 
determination  I  rested  till  the  later  end  of  my  coUe- 


8 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 


giate  studies,  when,  I  trust,  God  began  to  work  in 
me  the  saving  change  of  regeneration.  On  the  first 
day  of  the  new  year  I  went  to  church ;  a  discourse 
was  delivered  by  a  certain  divine,  during  which  I 
was  taken  with  a  trembling  and  was  advised  to  go 
out,  but,  from  some  inward  impulse,  I  continued  till 
the  sermon  was  over."  The  sickness  proved  to  be  a 
violent  case  of  scarlet  fever.  Fear  of  death  and  anxie- 
ties about  his  soul's  future  state,  wrought  in  him  con- 
viction for  sin.  Eeligious  readings  and  the  visits  of 
ministers  revived,  through  mercy,  the  impressions  of 
former  years.  As  his  sickness  abated,  his  desire  for 
salvation  increased.  The  eminent  and  venerable  Dr. 
Livingston,  his  father's  minister,  urged  him  to  repose 
on  the  imputed  righteousness  of  Christ.  His  mind 
gradually  obtained  composure.  '^From  this  time  I 
began  to  reform  my  life  and  read  the  Sacred  Scrip- 
tures. In  this  work  I  found  great  difficulties,  arising 
from  my  inward  corruptions,  and  the  mistaken  no- 
tions and  judgments  of  things,  which  I  had  formed ; 
and  so  wicked  is  the  human  heart,  that  I  was  almost 
ashamed  to  entertain  pious  and  religious  thoughts. 
The  opposition  of  sin  to  grace  made  the  struggle  se- 
vere. My  doubts  arose  to  such  a  height  that  I  feared 
I  would  become  a  skeptic.  However,  Divine  grace 
enabled  me  to  persevere.  The  farther  I  advanced  the 
more  these  struggles  diminished,  and  my  mind  be- 
came gradually  calm.  For  four  or  five  months  the 
changes  in  the  frame  of  my  mind  were  various,  and 
especially  in  the  beginning,  were  very  frequent." 
His  miud  now  was  agitated  by  a  choice  of  a  pro- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  9 

fession  for  life.     Sometimes  he  inclined  to  medicine 
and  then  to  the  ministry.     A  worthy  minister  ad- 
vised him  to  set  apart  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer, 
to  know  the  will  of  God,  when  he  was  enabled  to 
decide  on  the  great  work  to  which  a  long  life  was 
given  with  a  zeal  that  never  flagged.     The  covenant 
which  he  made  with  God,  about  this  time,  with  great 
solemnity,  and  which,  was  sealed  and  subscribed  with, 
his  own  name,  still  exists.     It  is  a  coincidence,  that, 
as  in  a  kind  of  postscript,  he  earnestly  prays,  that 
into  whosever  hands  it  might  fall  after  his  decease,  it 
might  be  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  the  person,  so 
the  only  member  of  his  family,  not  in  the  commu- 
nion of  the  church  at  his  death,  was  the  first  to  find, 
and  the  first  to  read  it.     "  In  this  determination  I 
have   rested,  though   sometimes   I   wavered,  which 
would  create  uneasiness.     It  was  sometime  in  March, 
or  April,  that   one  night  I  held  high  communion 
with  God,  and  had  a  divine  calm  spread  over  my 
mind.     There  was  peace  and  serenity  within,  and  I 
feared  nothing  from  without.     As  to  my  interest  in 
Christ,  my  evidence  was  clear,  and  my  hope  of  future 
glory   good    and   well-founded.      I   believe   it  was 
shortly  after  this,  when  my  examination  in  college 
commenced,  (for  his  degree,)  I  was  in  a  holy  frame  of 
mind, — my  ideas  were  clear  and   distinct  and  my 
faculties  strong.     Again  after  this  I  had  remarkable 
communion  with  God,  in  his  sanctuary,  while  a  ser- 
mon was  preached  on  prayer.     Then  I  saw  King 
Jesus,  in  his  beauty — saw  his  sufficiency  and  willing- 
ness to  save.     I  had  ravishing  views  of  his  excel- 
2^ 


10  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANE^AY- 

lencj  in  his  gospel.  When  I  came  home  from 
church,  taking  a  book  in  my  hand,  I  read  therein, 
and  found  these  words,  ''Even  so  come.  Lord  Jesus, 
come  quickly."  To  these  words  I  could  then  say — 
Amen.  Such  have  been  my  experiences  and  exer- 
cises— such  my  foretastes  of  future  happiness  in  the 
world  of  spirits.  May  15th,  I  made  a  confession 
of  my  faith  and  was  received  into  full  communion 
with  the  Church." 

Thus  fervently  and  earnestly  did  this  young  ser- 
vant enter  on  his  Master's  service,  and  thus  were  laid 
the  broad  foundations  of  a  piety  which  became  so 
eminent.  Through  his  life,  it  will  be  seen  from  his 
journal,  religion  was  the  one  thing,  and  to  it  he  gave 
his  chief  concern.  ''  This  one  thing  I  do,"  was  his 
motto.  How  true  the  words  of  the  Scripture — "  the 
path  of  the  just  is  like  the  shining  light  which 
shineth  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day."  Truly 
a  dawn  like  this  promised  a  serene  and  blessed  day. 

In  1795,  the  pestilence  or  yellow  fever,  which  two 
years  before  had  swept  Philadelphia  with  frightful 
violence  and  awful  desolation,  raged  in  Kew  York, 
from  August  to  November.  ''As  this  was  ap- 
proaching, I  felt,"  he  says,  "  alarmed  at  the  prospect ; 
but  found  myself  resigned  to  the  will  of  God.  Many 
fell  on  my  right  hand  and  on  my  left,  but  the  Provi- 
dence of  God  preserved  me  from  its  violence.  The 
plague  came  near,  but  did  not  attack  me.  I  prayed 
that  the  sickness  might  be  sanctified  to  me,  and,  I 
trust,  the  Lord  heard  me."  During  this  period  of 
pestilence,  his  horse,  on  which  he  was  riding,  fell 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  11 

and  threw  him,  and  lie  found  the  horse's  foot  upon 
his  breast,  but  he  escaped  and  was  ''  snatched  from 
the  jaws  of  death." 

The  year  1797  found  him  diligent  in  the  use  of 
the  means  of  grace,  and  seeking  growth  in  the  divine 
hfe.  ^'  In  reviewing  my  conduct,  I  felt  that  my  sins 
were  pardoned.  In  the  morning  exercise,  on  Mon- 
day, I  was  somewhat  earnest  in  pleading  with  God. 
Towards  the  end  of  the  week  too  much  absorbed  in 
study."  ^'This  week  my  soul  has  been  somewhat 
refreshed.  I  see  that  my  heart  is  deceitful  and 
easily  ensnared  by  the  world.  Though  we  depart 
from  God  in  our  affections,  yet  if  we  strive  to  return 
he  will  accept  and  help  us.  Eemember,  O  my  soul, 
the  exhortation,  Work  out  your  salvation  with  fear 
and  trembling,  for  it  is  God  that  worketh  in  you,  both 
to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure.  To  this  end  I 
must  be  circumspect  in  my  conduct,  diligent  and 
active."  Numberless  entries  in  his  journal,  speak  of 
similar  exercises.  A  holy  jealousy  and  watchfulness 
marked  the  young  believer.  Apparent  remissness 
gives  him  sorrow,  and  he  urges  his  soul  to  return.  "  My 
soul  labours  and  is  laden,  when  it  does  not  enjoy  free 
access  to  him."  The  schooling  of  his  heart  goes  on, 
and  we  hear  him  lamenting,  that  "  self-examination 
has  been  omitted  five  times  this  week,  through  inter- 
ruptions. It  is  hard  to  do  all  things  in  reason."  *'I 
perceive  that  every  occurrence  may  be  improved 
by  reflection,  so  that  in  whatever  company  we  are, 
we  may  gain  some  accessions  of  knowledge.  I  am 
not  suf&ciently  circumspect  in  my  conduct.     Trifles 


12  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

engage  my  attention."  "  By  way  of  preparation  for 
tlie  Lord's  Supper,  I  have  examined,  as  to  my 
growth  in  grace,  and,  if  not  deceived,  I  do  grow  in 
grace.  But  O,  my  progress  is  too  small."  The 
glory  of  God  even  then  absorbed  him — his  dearest 
wishes  were  bowed  in  submission.  In  every  event 
he  saw  the  hand  of  God,  and  seems  early  to  have 
acquired  the  habit  for  which  he  was  so  remarkable 
through  his  long  life,  of  referring  every  and  even 
trivial  events  to  Providence.  It  became  the  balm 
and  joy  of  his  existence,  and  accounts  for  the  peace- 
ful serenity  of  his  after  days.  "  Truly  the  Shepherd  of 
Israel  slumbereth  not,  nor  sleepeth.  I  now  thank  the 
Lord  for  preserving  me,  and  pray  for  an  eye  to  dis- 
cern the  hand  of  God  in  all  things." 

Spiritual  preparation  for  his  great  life-work  was 
ever  in  his  sight.  ^'  On  Monday  I  received  much 
enlargement  in  prayer,  and  earnestly  wrestled  with 
God,  for  myself — for  my  friends — country — Zion — 
and  the  world.  Then  I  reflected  on  my  future  em- 
ployment, and  sincerely  desired  that  I  might  so  feel 
the  power  of  truth  that,  with  tears  in  my  eyes,  I 
might  beseech  men  to  be  reconciled  to  God.  But  I 
could  perceive  pride  mingling  with  my  exercises. 
Oh,  for  humility  of  heart !"  Under  date  July  22, 
1796,  he  writes,  '^Two  extremes  I  would  avoid:  on 
the  one  hand,  moroseness ;  and,  on  the  other,  carnal 
mirth.  Help  me,  gracious  Father,  to  adorn  thy  gos- 
pel, by  performing  the  active  and  social  duties  of 
life ;  give  me  the  spirit  of  my  station ;  may  thy  glory 
be  the  end  of  all  my  pursuits."     '^  I  felt  a  weakness 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  13 

in  uttering  the  sentiments  of  my  heart.  "Wliy 
fearest  thoii;  oh  my  soul,  the  face  of  man,  that  is 
dust,  and  the  son  of  man,  that  is  a  worm?  May  the 
God  of  Israel  prepare  my  heart,  and  mind,  and  life, 
for  the  important  office  of  being  a  fellow-worker 
with  him  in  building  the  walls  of  the  spiritual  Jeru- 
salem." "  If  I  mistake  not,  I  begin  to  feel  more  of 
the  practical  influence  from  the  doctrines  of  the 
gospel."  "We  find  him  buckling  on  his  armour  and 
making  efforts  to  do  good;  now  he  visits  a  sick 
and  dying  man;  now  he  reproves  sin  boldly,  but 
kindly.  "  This  week  I  sent  a  letter  to  a  near  relative, 
addressing  him  on  his  dangerous  condition,  and 
urging  him  to  a  speedy  repentance.  May  the  King 
of  Zion  make  him  a  citizen  of  Heaven,  and  hear  the 
fervent  prayers  I  have  offered  in  his  behalf  Visited 
two  sick  persons :  one  has  grown  old  in  unrighteous- 
ness ;  may  the  grace  which  reached  the  heart  of  the 
malefactor  restore  her  soul  to  spiritual  life  and  hap- 
piness ;  make  her,  blessed  Jesus,  the  triumph  of  thy 
free,  unbounded  love."  "  May  my  fear  of  man  be 
removed.  God  forbid  I  should  purchase  the  fellow- 
ship of  any  at  the  expense  of  duty  and  conscience. 
Let  me  be  enabled  to  exercise  my  influence  to  thy 
glory."  He  often  mentions  attending  on  a  society, 
which,  probably  composed  of  Christian  friends, 
served  to  quicken  one  another,  among  whom  he 
finds  refreshing  reasons. 

With  his  characteristic  earnestness,  he  became  a 
pupil  of  the  venerable  and  distinguished  Eev.  Dr.  J. 
H.  Livingston,  the  Professor  of  Theology  in  the  Ke- 


14  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

formed  Dutcli  Churcli.  His  pietj,  gentleness,  and 
assiduity  in  study  won  the  regards  of  his  preceptor, 
who  through  the  continuance  of  his  own  long  life, 
ever  manifested  for  him  the  warmest  affection.  His 
manuscripts  in  possession  of  his  children  attest  his 
diligence.  All  the  branches  of  study,  with  Hebrew 
under  a  competent  instructor,  were  prosecuted  with, 
conscientious  earnestness,  and  with  such  ardor  that 
his  health  had  well  nigh  sunk  under  these  trials. 
Years  after  his  entrance  on  the  ministry,  did  he 
suffer  from  pain  in  his  breast,  and  other  weaknesses 
the  penalty  of  such  unreserved  surrender  to  his  pre- 
paratory studies. 

A  keen  disappointment  about  this  time  seems  to 
have  been  followed  with  the  peaceful  fruits  of  right- 
eousness. A  holy  fear  lest  he  should  distrust  God, 
sent  him  to  his  closet,  that  he  might  cling  to  his 
Saviour  more.  While  hopes  of  success  were  indulged, 
he  laid  his  heart  bare  to  God,  and  plead  that  success 
should  be  granted  only  as  a  covenant  blessing ;  and 
when  the  trial  came,  with  all  its  aggravations,  with 
which  his  imagination  clothed  it,  he  rested  on  the 
promises,  and  inquired:  What  is  the  lesson  of  the 
rod?  And  when  he  feared,  lest  by  any  means  his 
Christian  integrity  should  be  compromised,  he  ear- 
nestly reviews  his  course,  and  then  clings  to  the 
assurance,  "  Thou  wilt  bring  forth  my  righteousness  as 
the  light,  and  my  judgment  as  a  lamp  that  burneth." 
Fifty-five  years  later,  when  threatened  by  an  un- 
worthy and  ungrateful  relative,  and  his  integrity  in 
the  management   of  his  trust  as   executor  of  his 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAV.  15 

father's  estate  impugned,  he  went  in  the  calm  assurance 
of  faith  to  the  same  promise,  as  the  sea-faring  man 
to  his  old  and  well-tried  anchor.  And  then  in 
solemn  review  of  the  events,  he  says :  ''I  now  record 
that  I  would  not  have  been  exempted  from  my  per- 
sent  disappointment  for  a  kingdom ;  I  would  not  ex- 
change my  consequent  exercises  and  benefits  for  the 
whole  world.  Welcome  crosses  from  the  love  of 
God,  when  they  are  so  productive." 

As  the  time  drew  nigh  for  entering  on  the  work 
to  which  he  had  devoted  his  life,  his  soul  wrestled  in 
prayer  for  needed  qualification.  September  25. — 
"  This  week,  through  the  grace  of  my  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, I  have  been  enabled  to  pour  out  my  heart 
before  God ;  my  supplications  were  pleasurable  and 
enlarged ;  my  ardent  and  repeated  prayers  are  that  I 
may  be  a  faithful  witness  for  the  Lord  Jesus ;  that  I 
may  not  be  suffered  to  preach  myself,  but  Christ  and 
him  crucified.  Let  the  approbation  of  God,  and  not 
applause  of  men,  be  my  object,  and  this  is  my  ear- 
nest desire.  Oh,  that  I  may  feel  more  zeal  for  im- 
mortal souls."  And  then  surveying  his  own  heart, 
and  jealous  with  a  holy  jealously,  that  one  serving 
at  the  altar  should  be  pure,  and  with  clean  hands 
bring  the  sacrifices,  he  says:  '^I  trust  that  my  soul  is 
growing  in  grace,  for  I  observe  that  an  eye  to  the 
divine  glory  prevails  most  habitually  with  me.  My 
faith  acts  more  on  the  blood  of  Immanuel.  I  feel  a 
growing  estimation  of  the  privilege  of  approaching 
to  a  mercy  seat.  May  the  Almighty  Jehovah  enable 
me  rightly  to  improve  this  invaluable  blessing,  by 


16  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

drawing  nigh  to  Tiim  with  a  true  heart  and  in  full 
assurance  of  faith,  having  my  heart  sprinkled  with 
i;lie  blood  of  Jesus." 

Thus  early  he  became  a  man  of  prayer,  for 
which  his  after  life  was  so  marked.  Communion 
with  Grod  was  a  holy  habit.  He  walked  with  God 
ever,  and  in  a  long  life  never  faltered.  Such  pre- 
paration for  his  work  might  be  expected  to  precede 
a  useful  ministry.  The  baptism  he  received  fitted 
him  to  serve  God  in  the  Gospel  of  his  Son,  and  may 
well  account  for  the  profound  esteem  with  which 
through  his  long  life  he  impressed  the  people  of  God. 
And  praying  well,  he  found  was  studying  well. 
Evidences  remain  among  his  people  of  his  diligent 
use  of  the  means  offered  him.  His  preceptor  was 
one  of  the  most  accomplished  theologians  of  his  day, 
and  he  always  recurred  with  delighted  animation  to 
the  times  when  he  sat  at  the  feet  of  this  Christian  Gama- 
liel. Through  life  he  cherished  profound  reverence 
for  that  man  of  God,  who  had  been  his  pastor,  and  then 
his  instructor,  and  through  life  his  cherished  friend. 
The  eminence  which  Dr.  Janeway  attained  in  the- 
ology, his  keen  perception  of  truth,  and  the  ability 
with  which  he  defended  it,  show  that  the  foundations 
were  deeply  and  broadly  laid  in  the  period  which 
was  occupied  in  his  theological  training.  Allusion 
has  been  made  to  his  diligence  in  study,  and  the 
usual  penalty — loss  of  health.  His  early  life  in  the 
ministry  was  embittered,  and  only  the  most  conscien- 
tious devotion  to  exercise  and  hygeia  restored  the 
tone,  which  made  him  when  an  octogenarian  the 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  17 

wonder  of  liis  younger  associates,  and  enabled  Lira, 
tliroiigli  a  long  life,  to  accomplish  so  much  in  the 
vineyard  of  his  Master. 


CHAPTER  II. 

1797  TO  1804. 

His  Licensure — Missionary  Aspirations — Settlement  in  Phila 

delphia. 

Thursday,  November  30,  1797,  he  was  licensed 
to  preach  the  gospel  of  his  Master  by  the  classis  of 
New  York.  "  May  God  Almighty,"  he  writes, 
''make  me  a  faithful  witness  for  Jesus  Christ.  May 
I  pronounce  the  terrors  of  the  Lord  with  boldness,  and 
feed  the  Church  of  God  with  watchfulness  and  wis- 
dom. This  day  I  have  spent  in  fasting  and  prayer 
to  the  throne  of  grace,  for  faithfulness  and  success. 
It  has  been  good  for  me  to  be  here.  My  covenant 
with  Jehovah  was   renewed.     Hear  and  answer  me, 

0  Lord,  for  Christ's  sake !      Amen.     I   trust   that 

1  lose,  more  and  more,  the  fear  of  man.  His  grace 
can  make  me  as  a  defenced  city — an  iron  pillar  and 
as  brazen  walls."  And  then  reviewing  his  heart  ex. 
ercises,  he  rejoices  that  he  is  a  child  of  God  and 
growing  in  grace.     With  such  feelings  he  enters  on 

3 


18  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY. 

a  ministry  to  be  protracted,  in  the  Providence  of 
God,  for  more  than  sixty  years,  and  to  be  laid  down 
when  full  of  honours  and  of  years. 

When  preaching  the  gospel,  in  the  fervor  of 
his  youthful  ministry,  he  narrowly  examines  his 
heart,  lest  unworthy  motives  should  mingle,  and 
gives  thanks  for  the  boldness  with  which  he  opened 
his  mouth  for  the  Lord.  His  daily  prayers  are  for 
success ;  he  pants  for  souls  and  longs  for  seals  to  his 
ministry.  As  the  world  lay  before  him.  Providence 
was  his  only  guide.  "  Here  am  I- — send  me."  His 
anxieties  he  commits  to  God ;  His  dispensations  he  re- 
ceives as  means  to  the  end  of  the  Divine  purposes 
concerning  him;  when  aided  in  his  work,  like  the 
disciples  of  old,  he  goes  back  to  the  Redeemer's  feet, 
and  gives  him  all  the  glory.  Jealous  lest  pride  and 
vanity  should  intrude,  he  wrestles  with  God,  that  He 
may  have  all  the  glory. 

Still  under  the  roof  of  his  father,  he  embraces  all 
opportunities  of  preaching  in  the  pulpits  of  the  city, 
and  of  making  occasional  excursions  to  the  country ; 
at  that  time  accomplished  with  some  hazard,  when 
off  the  mail  routes.  His  journal  is  so  entirely  the 
record  of  his  heart  exercises,  that  the  hints  of  his 
movements  are  quite  meagre.  In  company  with  the 
late  Rev.  Dr.  J.  IST.  Abeel,  pastor  of  the  Collegiate  Dutch 
Church,  in  New  York,  he  made  a  journey  of  some 
two  thousand  miles,  much  of  it  on  horseback,  mainly  in 
pursuit  of  health,  which  had  been  much  shattered  by  the 
ardour  of  his  studies.  No  sufficient  records  remain  of 
his  journey.     His  elder  children  remember  occasional 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  19 

conversations  on  the  subject,  and  tliat  much  of  the 
journey  was  performed  through  Kew  England.  But 
such  was  his  characteristic  modesty,  that  his  allusions 
were  infrequent,  and  their  recollections  of  conse- 
quence sparse.  They  have  heard  of  his  having 
preached  at  Charlestown  for  the  venerable  Dr.  Morse, 
and  at  the  Old  South,  in  Boston.  At  the  close  of  the 
year,  he  writes,  ''  upwards  of  three  months  have  elapsed 
during  my  travels,  and  I  am  bound  to  praise  God  for 
every  mark  of  his  favour  in  my  journeying.  I  view 
the  kind  receptions  of  friends,  and  the  attentive 
treatment  of  strangers,  as  much  the  effects  of  his  gra- 
cious Providence,  as  support  in  difficulties,  and  de- 
liverance from  dangers.  Oh !  how  tender,  how  solici- 
tous is  God  toward  thee !  Oh  I  my  soul,  what  obliga- 
tions to  him  dost  thou  bear  1" 

He  won  the  regard  and  secured  the  esteem  of  Dr. 
Abeel  on  this  journey,  who  soon  exerted  himself,  by 
his  influence,  to  place  him  in  the  position  which  he 
so  long  and  so  xisefully  held.  At  this  period  his 
thoughts  were  directed  to  a  mission  among  the  North 
American  Indians,  and  his  children  remember  to 
have  heard  him  say  that  he  actually  offered  himself 
to  those  who  had  charge  of  the  infant  missions  of  that 
day.  No  records  remain,  so  little  did  he  speak  on 
this  subject,  even  in  the  bosom  of  his  family,  lest  he 
should  seem  to  glory  in  self-denial  for  Christ.  Thus 
the  matter  must  be  dismissed,  with  these  few  remarks. 
The  God  of  Abraham  knew  that  he  had  not  withheld 
his  heart  and  life,  and  the  sacrifice  was  accepted. 
Providence  ordered  otherwise,  and  in  his  keeping  he 


20  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY. 

left  all.  "  Place  me,  oh  Lord,  in  tliat  quarter  of  tliy 
vineyard  where  I  shall  most  advance  thy  glory,  and 
increase  the  happiness  of  my  brethren  in  this  world. 
I  now  mix  with  the  world  more  than  formerly,  but  I 
trust,  at  least  I  desire  to  have  an  eye  to  the  glory  of 
Jehovah  in  my  intercourse  with  mv  fellow-creatures. 
The  commerce,  I  hope,  will  make  me  more  useful." 

About  this  time,  he  received  an  urgent  request 
from  Eev.  Dr.  Ashbel  Green,  then  sole  pastor  of  the 
Second  Presbyterian  Church,  Philadelphia,  to  spend 
a  few  weeks  with  them,  with  a  view  to  a  settlement. 
The  yellew  fever  occurring  at  this  time,  in  both  cities, 
it  was  judged  prudent  to  defer  his  visit  till  the  pesti- 
lence had  passed.  Some  time  in  the  close  of  the  year, 
he  preached  in  Philadelphia,  with  such  acceptance 
that  he  was  unanimously  called  as  a  colleague  with 
Dr.  Green.  The  only  record  we  find  is  under  date 
of  December  15th,  1798.  ''My  solemn  thanks  are 
due  to  my  Heavenly  Father  for  his  kind  protection 
while  absent  from  home  and  journeying,  for  the  at- 
tention and  favour  of  friends  and  strangers,  and  for 
aiding  me  in  preaching  and  rendering  my  labours  ac- 
ceptable. What  may  be  the  issue  of  my  present 
circumstances  is  uncertain.  The  will  of  the  Lord  be 
done.  It  is  enough  if  my  lot  is  ordered  by  Divine 
wisdom.  He  is  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard,  and  it  is 
his  province  to  dispose  of  the  labourers,  and  to  ap- 
point each  his  portion  of  employ.  On  the  Lord  I 
desire  to  wait." 

The  fever  I'aged  with  a  violence  unequalled  only 
by  the  fatal  and  Tong  remembered  season  of  1793. 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  21 

''Tlie  judgments  of  God  are  assuredly  upon  our 
land ;  sickness  and  death  walk  our  streets ;  terrified 
by  tlie  aspect  of  Providence,  the  inhabitants  of  the  city 
flee  their  habitations.  Would  to  God  they  were  as 
active  and  careful  to  shun  moral  infection.  The  Lord 
has  graciously  preserved  me  from  the  pestilence.  'No 
breaches  have  been  made  in  our  family.  Surely  my 
thanks  are  due  to  my  Heavenly  Father  for  his  gra- 
cious care  of  my  health  and  life.  When  thou,  oh 
Lord,  shalt  require  my  spirit,  I  know  not.  I  beseech 
thee,  prepare  me  for  thy  kingdom."  In  another 
place,  he  writes,  ''  For  more  than  two  years,  I  hope 
I  can  say  that,  through  the  grace  of  God,  I  have 
been  reconciled  to  death,  and  could,  each  night, 
composedly  wait  the  issue  as  to  the  continuance  of 
life,  or  my  departure." 

The   notice  of  a   call  was  communicated  in  the 
following  affectionate  and  cordial  letter,  dated 

Philadelphia,  June  2,  1797. 

''My  Dear  Sir: 

I  have  great  pleasure  in  informing  you  that  I 
have  just  returned  from  a  meeting  of  the  congrega- 
tion which  I  serve,  and  at  which  you  were  elected 
my  colleague,  without  a  dissenting  voice.  The  event 
has  been  the  subject  of  my  hopes  and  of  my  prayers, 
for  several  months  past,  and  I  cannot  easily  express 
the  gratitude  I  feel  to  God,  in  having  disposed  the 
minds  of  his  people  to  act  with  so  much  unanimity 
on  so  important  an  occasion ;  and  I  do  most  earnestly 
pray,  that  it  may  be  a  token  for  good.  And  now,  my 
dear  young  friend,  it  remains  with  you  to  determine 
what  answer  you  will  return  to  the  call  of  God's 
3* 


22  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

people.  As  I  trust  lie  lias  inclined  their  hearts  to  yon, 
I  liope  lie  may  incline  you  to  them.  You  cannot 
need  the  assurance  from  me  that  your  acceptance  of 
this  call  will  afford  me  the  most  sincere  and  heartfelt 
pleasure.  No/  if  you  do  accept  it,  as  my  most 
ardent  wishes  will  be  gratified,  so  you  may  rely  on 
every  exertion  in  my  power  to  render  your  situation 
here  comfortable  to  yourself,  and  profitable  to  my 
dear  people.  I  do  not  know  that  an  individual  of 
the  congregation  has  a  sentiment  unfavorable  to  you. 
In  a  word,  the  congregation  are  as  much  united,  and 
at  peace  among  themselves,  as  any  you  will  ever 
find ;  and  this  is  certainly  a  consideration  of  much 
^importance,  and  one  that  ought  to  have  great  weight 
with  you,  in  the  determination  you  are  to  form. 
May  God  be  with  you  and  direct  you. 

Most  affectionately  vours, 

A.  GREEN. 

Dr.  Green,  in  his  autobiography,  says,  ''My  last 
colleague  was  the  Kev.  Dr.  Jacob  J.  Janeway.  We 
were  colleagues  for  thirteen  years.  It  was  with  him 
I  had  an  explicit  understanding  that  we  should  re- 
member each  other  in  our  daily  prayers,  and  treat 
each  other's  character  as  if  it  were  his  own.  The  con- 
sequences were  most  happy.  We  laboured  and  loved 
as  brethren,  during  the  whole  period  of  our  collegiate 
connection,  and  an  untroubled  and  ardent  attachment 
has  existed  between  us  to  the  present  hour.  I  still  pray 
for  him  daily  in  my  private  devotions."  How  beau- 
tiful for  brethren  to  dwell  in  unity ;  a  friendship 
cemented  by  Christian  love,  in  spite  of  the  infirmities 
of  our  fallen  nature,  subsisting  for  half  a  century. 

And  from  these  cordial   and  affectionate   expres- 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  23 

sions  did  tliis  venerable  man  of  God  never  depart. 
In  an  intercourse  and  friendship  of  fifty  years, 
nothing,  it  may  be  remembered  in  advance,  ever 
occurred  to  dim  this  fraternal  kindness  on  the  one 
hand,  and  this  filial  reverence  on  the  other.  We 
shall  have  occasion,  hereafter,  to  recur  to  the  extra- 
ordinary harmony  of  this  co-ordinate  pastorship,  and 
the  unbroken  love  which  subsisted  till,  in  his  eighty- 
sixth  year.  Dr.  Green  was  laid. in  his  sepulchre,  at 
Princeton,  and  his  friend  did  honour  to  his  memory, 
in  an  affectionate  tribute  to  his  life  and  virtues,  when 
devout  men  carried  him  to  his  grave. 

January  5,  1799.  ^^My  most  solemn  thanks  are 
due  to  God  for  an  entrance  on  another  new  year; 
oh !  that  it  may  be  more  consecrated  to  the  service  of 
God  than  years  past ;  for  a  new  year's  gift,  an  election 
-as  pastor  to  a  part  of  his  people,  for  their  unanimity 
on  the  occasion,  and  for  the  prospects  that  it  presents. 
I  have  prayed  to  be  stationed  in  that  part  of  God's  vine- 
yard which  is  most  conducive  to  his  glory  and  the 
welfare  of  his  people.  I  solemnly  repeat  the  request 
to  the  great  head  of  the  Church,  who  has  promised 
to  he  ir,  and  that  by  his  spirit  and  Providence,  he 
may  overrule  my  thoughts,  and  establish  the  determi- 
nation of  my  mind,  with  regard  to  the  subject,  con- 
formably to  his  sovereign  pleasure.  But,  oh !  holy 
God,  let  me  not  go,  unless  thy  presence  and  blessing 
go  up  with  me.  If  thou  send  me,  may  I  go  in 
the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  peace — 
Amen." 

It    was  the    custom    of    liis    life,    whenever    an 


24  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

event  of  magnitude  lay  before  him,  and  any  impor- 
tant step  was  to  be  taken,  to  set  apart  days  of  fasting 
and  prayer,  when  he  laid  his  heart  before  God  and 
implored  his  guidance.  ^'  This  day  I  have  spent  in 
fasting  and  prayer,  that  God  might  direct  me  in  re- 
gard to  the  call  of  his  people.  From  the  harmony 
and  peace  of  the  congregation ;  from  their  unanimity 
in  the  call,  and  from  other  providential  circumstan- 
ces, I  am  induced  to  accept  it.  The  voice  of  the 
people  is,  I  trust,  the  voice  of  God.  And  now  may 
the  great  head  of  the  Church  qualify  me  for  the  im- 
portant work,  and  render  me  a  great  blessing  to  his 
people.  My  covenant  has  been  again  renewed. 
To  God,  the  living  God,  I  commend  myself.  I  have 
read  his  promises,  and  I  believe  he  will  help  me. 
His  grace  shall  be  sufficient  for  me — Amen." 

Philadelphia,  at  the  time  of  Dr.  Janeway's  en- 
trance on  his  ministry,  was  the  chief  city  of  the  land, 
and  the  seat  of  the  Federal  Government.  It  was 
one-third  larger  than  New  York,  and  enjoyed  a  large 
foreign  trade,  especially  with  China  and  India.  The 
General  Assembly  for  many  years  held  its  annual 
sessions  there.  Its  churches  were  among  the  most 
distinguished  in  our  connection,  and  were  served  by 
pastors  of  note.  There  were  four  churches  in  our 
communion.  The  first  was  served  by  Eev.  J.  B. 
Linn,  ordained  at  the  same  time  with  Dr.  Janeway. 
His  popular  talents,  and  varied  accomplishments, 
gave  him,  in  the  dawn  of  his  youth,  an  unwonted 
eminence,  and  though  in  five  short  years  he  was 
suddenly  cut  ofi",  he  had  accomplished  a  reputation 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  25 

of  SO  popular  a  character  that  lie  was  honoured, 
young  as  he  was,  with  a  doctorate  in  divinity.  Eev. 
Dr.  J.  B.  Smith  had  but  lately  been  recalled  to  the 
Third  Church,  from  Union  College,  after  a  brief 
presidency,  and  was  entering,  amid  the  affections  of  a 
devoted  people,  on  his  work,  when  the  yellow  fever 
of  1799  laid  him  in  the  sepulchre.  The  Eev. 
George  C.  Potts,  was  pastor  of  the  Fourth  Church, 
composed  chiefly  of  his  OAvn  countrymen,  and  among 
whom  he  served  in  the  gospel  for  many  years.  Dr. 
Janeway  retained  for  him,  through  life,  a  warm  re- 
gard, and  for  many  years  a  most  cordial  and  brotherly 
intimacy.  In  the  Second  Church  was  Eev.  Dr.  Ash- 
bel  Green,  then  in  the  meridian  of  his  power,  and  the 
height  of  his  popularity.  Presiding  over  the  most  im- 
portant church,  with  dignity  and  success,  he  had 
been  associated  with  the  venerable  and  excellent 
Bishop  White,  as  chaplain  to  Congress. 

The  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  in  its  earliest 
history,  was  gathered  from  among  the  converts  of 
Whitefield,  and  was- served,  as  first  pastor,  by  Eev. 
Gilbert  Tennent,  a  man  of  like  spirit  with  him,  and 
active  in  promoting  those  extraordinary  works  of 
grace  which  swept  through  the  land  like  the  swellings 
of  Jordan.  After  him  came  the  Eev.  Dr.  James  Sproat, 
a  convert  under  the  ministry  of  Tennent,  in  that 
wonderful  visit  which  he  paid  Kew  England,  and 
which  was  attended  with  results  equalled  only  by  the 
successes  of  Whitefield.  After  a  laborious  and  suc- 
cessful ministry,  at  Guildford,  Connecticut,  of  twenty- 
five  y earS;  he  removed  to  Philadelphia,  and  concluded  a 


26  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

ministry,  in  all,  of  lialf  a  century,  beloved  and 
honoured.  Amid  a  family  shattered  by  the  incursions 
of  the  dreaded  pestilence,  when  child  after  child  died, 
and  then  the  wife  of  his  youth,  he  met  the  destroyer 
in  the  calm  triumphs  of  faith.  His  funeral,  in  that  day 
of  wailing,  lamentation,  and  woe,  was  marked  by  re- 
spect which  wealth  could  not  purchase,  and  he  was 
borne  to  his  grave  by  some  coloured  members  of  his 
church,  who  braved  all  danger,  that  they  might  honour 
their  pastor  and  friend.  Dr.  Green  remained  pastor 
alone  for  six  years,  except  when  relieved  by  an  associa- 
tion with  Dr.  J.  N.  Abeel,  who  maintained  the  some- 
what anomalous  relation  of  pastor  to  the  Second  and 
Third  Churches.  It  was  at  his  suggestion  that  Dr. 
Janeway  was  called. 

That  church  was  then,  as  it  was  for  the  whole  of 
Dr.  Janeway's  pastorate,  rich  in  the  eldership.  Few 
churches  have  been  so  much  and  so  long  blessed. 
Men  of  high  social  position,  and  above  all,  of  emi- 
nent piety,  served  that  people  in  the  gospel  of  Christ. 
It  is  only  needed  to  mention,  even  to  the  men  of  this 
generation,  such  names  as  Latimer,  Jaudon,  Smith, 
Henry,  and  Ralston.  With  all  these  men,  and  others 
of  like  spirit,  their  associates.  Dr.  Janeway  sustained 
intimate  relations,  and  was  cherished  by  them  with 
affection.  At  the  close  of  his  ministry  of  thirty 
years,  the  writer  remembers  to  have  heard  him  say, 
in  his  farewell  sermon,  '^  That  he  never  could  recall 
the  time  when  any  serious  differences  occurred  in  the 
session,  or  when  any  question  had  ever  been  decided  by 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWaY.  27 

the  yeas  and  nays."   Blessed  testimony  to  tlie  brotherly 
love  and  sweet  harmony  of  these  holy  men. 

The  advantages  were  great  from  the  commence- 
ment of  his  ministry.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  he 
was  young,  only  three  and  twenty,  inexperienced, 
and  along  side  of  the  popular  senior  pastor,  he 
might  well  fear  the  comparisons  which  partiality  or 
unkindness  might  suggest.  Keligion  itself  was  de- 
pressed. The  influence  of  the  French  Kevolution 
had  made  the  infidelity  of  France  popular.  Those 
who  fraternized  with  the  one,  were  apt  to  feel  the 
power  of  the  other.  So  unlike  our  times  were  these, 
that  men  in  authority  scouted  the  control  of  the 
gospel.  At  no  period  in  our  history  was  the  ebb  of 
religion  so  great  as  at  the  beginning  of  the  present 
century.  The  Presbyterian  Charch  was  feeble,  and 
numbered  but  183  ministers  and  260  churches.  All 
things  were  inchoate,  and  respect  for  the  clergy  was 
not  a  distinguishing  mark  of  the  times.  The 
modern  schemes  of  benevolence,  which  had  been  so 
lately  inaugurated  in  England  were  unknown.  The 
glory  of  our  age  had  not  yet  risen ;  all  was  to  be 
commenced,  and  in  a  new  country,  and  by  feeble 
hands.  Faction  and  party  spirit  arose,  when  the 
Father  of  his  country  was  buried  amid  the  tears  of 
millions.  We  have  no  conception  of  its  fury,  and  how 
it  drove  its  ploughshare  through  families,  and  parted 
brother  from  brother.  The  struggles  for  ascendency 
of  a  party  rising  into  notice  were  frightful.  They 
are  noticed  here  only  in  connection  with  their  influ- 
ence on  religion.     The  subject  of  this  memior  was 


28  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

decided  in  his  preference  for  tlie  Washington  school ; 
but,  by  God's  grace,  held  his  spirit  in  chastened  sub- 
jection. Notices  in  his  journal  tell  of  the  trials 
which  threatend  his  peace,  and  it  was  only  by  that 
severe  self-denial  by  which  his  whole  life  was  regu- 
lated, that  he  maintained  the  confidence  and  respect 
of  both  parties.  He  seldom  appeared  at  the  polls, 
judging,  that  for  himself  such  abstinence  was  best. 

We  may  well  be  prepared  to  find  in  his  journal 
that  his  spirit  was  well  nigh  borne  down  by  the  cir- 
cumstances which  surrounded  him,  and  the  fear 
which  haunted  him  for  years,  that  he  was  not  quali- 
fied for  the  position  which  he  held.  His  natural 
modesty,  and  the  stern  account  which  he  held  with 
himself,  made  him  at  times  tremble,  and  he  often 
almost  resolved  to  find  a  spot  more  retired,  and  which 
he  imas^ined  would  better  accord  with  his  intellectual 
training.  A  youth,  fresh  from  his  professional  studies, 
placed  in  the  chief  city  of  the  Union,  with  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  as  a  worshipper,  and  the 
chief  men  of  the  nation,  who  cared  at  all  for  these 
things,  attending  its  services,  might  well  fear. 

When  arriving  on  the  field,  which  for  thirty 
years,  by  the  will  of  God,  was  to  be  the  scene  of 
his  labours,  he  says,  "I  unfeignedly  and  solemnly 
thank  God  for  establishing  me  in  this  part  of  his 
vineyard.  It  has  been  my  sincere  prayer  that  he 
would  settle  me  itL  that  part  where  my  labours  would 
most  redound  to  his  glory,  and  the  spiritual  good  of 
his  people.     So,  I  trust,  it  shall  be.     May  the  bless- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  29 

ing  of  God  descend  on  me,  on  my  colleague,  and  on 
the  congregation,  for  Jesus'  sake — Amen. 

March  17.  ''In  preaching  the  gospel  last  Sabbath, 
my  soul  was  confined ;  with  difficulty  I  performed 
the  duty.  Oh!  for  more  freedom,  and  for  more  en- 
gagedness  in  the  service  of  the  sanctuary.  May  the 
Lord  bestow  on  me  abundantly  of  the  spirit  of  my 
station !  Oh !  that  I  may  realize  my  connection  with 
the  people,  and  love  them  most  fervently.  The 
Lord  vouchsafe  his  blessing  on  my  preaching.  Lead 
me  to  those  subjects  that  shall  be  most  for  thy  glory, 
and  for  the  profit  of  thy  chosen.  Weak  and  feeble, 
I  commend  myself  to  the  grace  of  God ;  let  it  be  suffi- 
cient for  me,  and  thy  strength  be  perfected  in  me. 

March  23.  "In  preaching  it  pleased  the  Lord  to 
suffer  me  to  fall  into  difficulty.  But,  blessed  be  his 
name,  his  mercy  was  mingled  with  the  judgment. 
His  promise  is  faithful,  that  he  will  not  suffer  us 
to  be  tempted  above  that  we  are  able  to  bear,  but 
will,  with  the  temptation,  make  a  way  for  us  to 
escape,  that  we  may  be  able  to  bear  it.  Great  and 
gracious  God,  let  thy  humbling  providence  promote 
humility  in  my  soul,  and  lead  me  to  an  humble  con- 
fidence in  thee.  Oh !  what  pride  and  corruption  in 
my  heart !  May  God  deliver  me  from  them,  and  pre- 
serve me  from  falling. 

March  30.  "  I  bless  the  Lord  that  I  was  not  con- 
founded, but  was  enabled  to  preach.  May  the  Lord 
sanctify  the  late  dispensation.  Oh!  for  a  single  eye 
to  the  glory  of  God  in  my  ministerial  services.  Be 
with  me,  oh  Lord,  on  the  morrow. 
3 


80  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

April  13.  "By  tlie  grace  of  God  I  begin  to  re- 
alize my  connection  witli  the  congregation.  I  bless 
his  name  for  a  disposition  in  any  measure  that  I 
may  have,  to  devote  myself  to  their  improvement. 
The  station  is  important  and  difficult.  I  feel  my  in- 
sufficiency ;  but  my  trust  is  in  the  Lord,  who  made 
heaven  and  earth.  My  soul  is  solicitous  to  preach 
the  pure  and  simple  gospel.  I  pray  to  God  that  he 
wou.ld  guide  to  the  selection  of  such  passages  of  the 
word  as  shall  be  most  for  his  glory  and  for  the 
spiritual  improvement  of  the  audience.  My  prayers 
for  diligence  and  a  disposition  for  my  work,  I  trust, 
will  be  answered. 

April  20.  "My  gratitude  is  due  to  God  for  his 
kindness  and  assistance  afforded  me  in  my  examina- 
tion before  Presbytery.  My  soul  is  disposed  to  give 
thanks  for  divine  mercies.  But  alas,  what  dulness 
enfeebles  my  heart;  would  to  God  that  my  soul  was 
like  the  chariots  of  Amminadib !  Be  with  me,  0  Lord ! 
on  the  ensuing  Sabbath^  and  let  my  soul  be  nour- 
ished. Bless  my  ministrations  with  success.  Oh  I  for 
a  single  eye  to  thy  glory.  May  Jesus  be  my  most 
delightful  theme." 

Then,  after  a  period  of  agitation,  doubtless  caused 
by  physical  reasons,  when  a  cloud  shut  off  the  light 
of  the  Blessed,  and  the  terrors  of  hell  gat  hold  upon 
him,  and  in  the  midst  of  his  distress  the  petition 
broke  from  his  lips :  "  Father,  I  desire  to  die  and  be 
with  thee,"  he  writes.  "My  mind  has  gradually  this 
week  recovered  its  wonted  peace.  I  have  obtained 
encouragement ;   but,  alas,  the  pride  of  my  heart ; 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  81 

the  vile  corruption  still  remains;  with  it  I  shall  have 
to  contend  through  life,  until  I  enter  the  heavenly 
Jerusalem,  and  leave  it  without  the  holy  gates." 

With  an  ever  wakeful  jealousy  of  himself,  he 
complains,  "  In  my  intercourse  with  the  people  I  am 
too  inactive  and  timid.  May  God  subdue  my  cow- 
ardice and  strengthen  me  with  all  might  by  his  Spirit 
in  the  inner  man.  Oh !  for  zeal  and  compassion  for 
the  precious  immortal  souls  committed  to  my  charge. 
Would  to  God  I  could  leave  a  savour  of  religion 
wherever  I  go.  Will  God  give  me  the  unction  of 
the  Holy  One !"  "  When  I  preach  thy  word,  may  I 
remember  there  is  a  heaven  and  a  hell ;  that  the  im- 
mortal souls  of  men  are  concerned,  and  that  I  must 
hereafter  stand  in  judgment  to  render  an  account  of 
my  stewardship !  Oh,  that  it  may  be  done  with  joy, 
and  not  with  grief." 

With  such  feelings  he  was  approaching  his  setting 
apart  by  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery.  It  was  the 
earnest  of  his  after  religious  life.  Alternate  strug- 
gles between  corruption  and  grace,  resulted  in  a 
victory  through  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  For  nearly 
half  a  century  he  had  the  assurance  of  faith,  and 
walked  with  God  in  calm  confidence  and  untroubled 
reliance.  It  is  but  extracts,  which  we  present,  from 
the  many,  which  seem  weekly  dottings  of  this  in- 
ward work,  which  grace  was  carrying  on  in  his  soul, 
and  which  gave  him  that  singular  eminence  through 
a  long  life,  unmarked  by  follies  and  unstained  by  the 
weaknesses,   which    like    spots    on  the    sun,   have 


32  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

obscured  lights,  which  otherwise  had  been  clear  and 
radiant. 

Thursday,  June  13,  1799,  he  w^as  ordained  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  along  with  four  others, 
which,  at  that  day,  was  rather  an  unusual  occurrence. 
John  Blair  Linn,  pastor  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  in  Philadelphia — whose  bright  light  was  so 
soon  quenched, — William  and  John  E.  Latta,  and 
Buckley  Carl  were  the  persons  then  ordained  in  the 
Old  Arch  Street  Church.  At  the  same  time  Mr.  Jane- 
way  was  installed  pastor  of  the  church.  ''On  this 
auspicious  day  I  was  solemnly  set  apart  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  In  the  presence  of 
God,  of  his  holy  angels,  and  of  men,  my  most  solemn 
vows  were  made.  May  the  Lord  God  and  Saviour, 
the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  endue  my  soul  with 
abundant  fortitude  for  the  all  important  work,  and 
bless  me  with  great  success.  I  give  thanks,  oh  God, 
for  thy  presence  on  the  affecting  occasion." 

''Through  the  week  God  has  favoured  me  with 
composure  and  serenity  of  mind.  My  thoughts  have 
been  collected.  But  alas !  I  have  to  lament  the  cor- 
ruptions of  my  soul.  Oh !  what  unbelief,  what  pride, 
what  coldness  of  affection;  how  hard  to  lift  the  soul 
to  God  by  fervent  breathings  of  heart.  0  Lord, 
I  beseech  thee  to  bestow  liberally  on  me  of  the  influ- 
ences of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Prepare  me.  Lord,  for  thy 
sovereign  pleasure.     Sanctify  me,  oh  God !" 

He  seems  to  have  been  very  sensitive  with  refer- 
ence to  his  timidity,  and  though  naturally  of  great 
physical  courage,  and  well  known  in  after  life  for  the 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  83 

singular  equanimity  of  liis  spirit — so  calm,  so  "un- 
ruffled at  all  times,  however  trying,  it  seems  strange 
to  hear  him  bewail  his  guilt.  '^  Alas,  my  guilt!  How 
oppressive  is  the  fear  of  man !  It  is  a  snare.  I  con- 
fess, oh  God,  that  I  have  sinned  by  a  guilty  shame. 
I  have  not  confessed  thee  before  men,  with  that 
Christian  boldness  which  I  should  have  maintained. 
Oh,  had  Jesus  been  ashamed  of  me,  as  J  have  of  him, 
my  soul  had  not  been  redeemed,  but  gone  down  to 
hell.  May  the  power  of  God  crucify  this  detestable 
sin,  and  endow  my  soul  with  Christian  courage." 

July  21.  *'  Upon  examination,  I  find  that  my  de- 
votions are  too  frequently  languid.  My  soul  is  not 
sufiiciently  engaged  in  the  ministerial  work.  Oh! 
that  my  soul  were  constantly  and  intensely  employed 
upon  it.  Oh !  for  ease  and  freedom  to  make  pious 
remarks.  Oh!  for  Christain  courage  and  fortitude. 
Oh,  that  I  might  be  freed  from  cowardice  and  be  ena- 
bled and  willing  to  endure  reproach  for  Jesus'  sake." 

For  any  aid  in  his  work,  he  breaks  forth  into  songs 
of  praise  and  with  holy  fear.  He  examines,  lest  any 
unworthy  feelings  mingle  with  his  services,  and  while 
having  the  comforting  assurance  of  the  Spirit  in  his 
witnessing  with  his  soul,  he  is  keen  to  detect  the  pre- 
sence of  motives  hot  accordant  with  a  single  eye 
to  the  glory  of  God.  And  then  on  a  renewed 
searching  of  his  heart,  in  view  of  an  approaching 
communion  season,  he  records,  "  By  the  blessing  of 
God,  I  trust  that  I  find  increase  of  spiritual  know- 
lege;  acknowledgment  of  dependence  on  the  Lord, 
and  resting  on  his  power ;  humility,  submission  and 

o 


34  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

thankfulness;  victory  over  corruptions;  heavenly 
mindedness,  and  devotedness  to  my  ministerial  work. 
I  render  thanks  for  the  discovery." 

The  pestilence  again  fell  on  the  devoted  city,  and 
it  was  thought  best  that  he  should  go  and  recruit  his 
strength  by  a  journey  towards  his  father's  house. 
The  Eev.  Dr.  J.  B.  Smith,  pastor  of  the  Third  Pres- 
byterian Church,  fell  a  victim.  '^  One  breach/'  he 
writes,  after  his  return  in  November,  '^I  mourn.  God 
has  taken  away  a  brother — a  watchman  from  Zion's 
walls.  May  the  grace  of  God  sanctify  the  loss  to  all 
interested  in  the  event.  May  He  sanctify  the  loss  to 
me,  and  render  me  doubly  diligent  and  faithful  in  my 
ministrations." 

"When  the  new  year,  1800,  opened,  we  find  him, 
on  its  threshold,  desiring  to  ''  effect  a  reformation"  in 
his  heart  and  life.  "On  examination,  it  is  found  that 
early  rising,  fervency  in  devotion,  religious  reflections 
in  company,  humility,  courage,  disinterested  benevo- 
lence, and  much  engagedness,  are  particularly  worthy 
my  attention  in  this  reformation.  May  God  enable 
me  to  reform.     Amen." 

March  23.  "  Let  it  be  remarked,  that  some  of  the 
discourses  which  have  met  with  most  acceptance  have 
been  penned  in  seasons  of  darkness  and  discomfort. 
Let  this  teach  me  where  to  offer  the  praise.  By  this 
previous  distress  God  prepares  me  to  receive  with 
humility  the  approbation  of  men.  My  mind  has 
been  harassed  through  the  week  with  stupor  and  im- 
patience. God  deal  in  mercy.  These  dull  seasons 
are  profitable,  through   His  grace."     My  mother  is 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  85 

sick.  For  a  considerable  time,  through  divine  grace, 
I  think  I  have  been  enabled  to  commit  her  into  the 
hands  of  God,  that  he  may  do  with  her  as  he  pleases 
— to  take  her  or  to  spare  her." 

The  pressure  on  a  young  man  was  at  times  severe 
and  though  his  heroic  spirit  shrunk  from  no  difficul- 
ties, he  feared,  lest  the  cause  might  suffer  through  his 
imagined  insufficiency.  ''Sometimes  I  feel  dis- 
couraged, fearing  lest  I  may  not  be  able  to  proceed 
in  my  work.  But  I  trust  I  have  learned  to  look  to 
God,  and  it  is  my  endeavour  to  do  my  best,  and  cast- 
ing myself  on  the  providence  of  God,  calmly  and 
patiently  to  leave  the  issue  with  him  who  has  pro- 
mised '  I  will  never  leave  thee  nor  forsake  thee.' 

''Furnish,  0  Lord,  furnish  me  abundantly  for  the 
important  work  of  the  ministry.  Keplenish  me  with 
thy  good  and  holy  Spirit.  Give  suitable  views  and 
sentiments.  Inspire  me  with  courage,  patience, 
diligence  and  perseverance.  Bless  my  labour.  I, 
through  Divine  grace,  begin  to  feel  more  my  entire 
dependence  on  God  for  all  things."  April  27,  Sab- 
bath. "My  mind,  for  two  days  past,  has  been  ha- 
rassed by  anxiety.  I  feel  my  insufficiency  for  the 
important  station  to  which  God  in  his  wise  provi- 
dence has  called  me.  In  looking  forward  I  tremble. 
But  fear  not  my  soul, — He  who  hast  helped  thee 
hitherto,  will  help  thee  hereafter.  Eemember  the 
parting  promise  of  our  Saviour,  'I,  thy  Almighty 
Lord,  am  with  thee  always,  even  to  the  end  of  the 
world.'"  June  26.  "This  day  I  spent  in  fasting  and 
prayer  for  the  blessing  of   Almighty  God  on   my 


36  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

ministry.  I  liave  read  the  Scriptures ;  meditated  and 
prayed.  Confession  of  sins  has  been  made.  I  have 
entreated  God  to  bestow  on  me  courage,  wisdom, 
prudence,  ardent  piety,  circumspection,  a  feeling 
sense  of  the  importance  of  divine  truth,  compassion 
for  the  souls  of  men.  I  have  prayed  that  I  may  pro- 
pose divine  truth  with  clearness,  illustrate  it  with 
wisdom,  and  urge  it  with  affection  and  energy;  that 
I  may  be  furnished  for  my  work  abundantly;  that 
I  may  be  a  wise,  faithful,  able  and  successful  minister 
of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

June  29.  "Having  for  some  little  time  past  had 
more  than  usual  doubts  to  cross  my  mind,  I  sat  down 
to  examine  myself,  and,  I  trust,  I  have  the  genuine 
marks  of  a  work  of  grace.  I  do  not  want  to  deceive 
myself.  A  delusion  in  this  matter  would  be,  I  know, 
infinitely  dangerous.  My  heart  I  lay  before  an  Om- 
niscient God,  who  sees  through  every  disguise,  pray- 
ing that  he  would  search  it  and  discover  to  me  my 
true  character,  whatever  it  may  be.  Henceforth  I 
must  seek  to  profit  more,  by  the  ordinances  of  God. 
I  ought  not  to  rest  contented  unless  I  enjoy  God  in 
them.  The  Lord  give  more  grace  to  make  a  wise 
improvement  of  all  the  blessed  privileges  with  which 
I  am  favoured.  Deliver  me,  good  Lord,  from  pride 
and  envy,  and  every  hateful  passion." 

August  10.  "  Last  evening  I  examined  myself  to 
understand  what  progress  I  have  made  in  the  divine 
life  since  the  last  communion  season.  I  think,  and 
the  matter  seems  clear,  that  I  have  better  views  of 
the  extent  of  the  Divine  government,  even  to  daily 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  87 

and  particular  occurrences,  and  I  think  these  are 
practical  views,  promoting  resignation  to  Providence, 
and  composure  of  mind." 

August  17,  Sabbath.  "  This  day  I  have  been  per- 
mitted to  approach  the  table  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
In  making  preparation,  I  trust,  I  have  been  faithful 
and  diligent  in  some  measure.  In  my  preparatory 
discourses  and  in  the  one  after  the  ordinance,  I  was 
comfortably  exercised.  At  the  table,  though  I  had 
not  high  sensations,  yet  I  trust  I  had  a  blessing.  My 
mind  was  calm  and  composed,  able  and  disposed  to 
pray  and  meditate.  My  covenant  was  renewed,  my 
faith  strengthened,  my  petitions  were  that  I  might 
possess  a  feeling  sense  of  the  infinite  importance  of 
Divine  truth,  and  of  the  infinite  value  of  immortal 
souls ;  that  I  might  receive  the  spirit  of  my  station 
and  an  unction  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  be  more  and 
more  devoted  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  seeking 
and  improving  opportunities  of  promoting  the  piety 
of  men  and  the  glory  of  God,  and  acting  with  Chris- 
tian courage  when  they  offend ;  that  I  may  have  the 
Divine  blessing  and  direction  in  my  studies  and 
labours,  and  success  in  the  ministry;  that  my  people 
may  be  revived,  and  I  may  be  spiritual,  attentive 
and  affectionate  in  devotion." 

The  holy  ordinance  of  the  Supper  was  ever,  in  his 
view,  a  matter  of  devout  consideration.  He  held  it 
to  be,  for  the  people  of  God,  a  precious  means  of 
grace.  He  prepared  for  it  with  diligence,  and  held  it 
before  his  people  for  weeks  previously,  as  an  object 
of  solemn  thought.     Hence,  he  usually  gave  three 


88  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

weeks'  notice,  in  the  pulpit,  of  its  approach,  that  it 
might  be  before  the  people  in  their  prayers  and 
musings.  Long  and  earnest  were  his  own  prepara- 
tions. His  excellent  and  devout  work,  Communi- 
cant^s  Manual,'^  gives  us  an  insight  of  his  views  on 
this  subject.  A  series  of  meditations  preceded,  in 
his  daily  devotions,  the  administration,  all  bearing 
on  the  great  transaction  of  which  it  is  the  impressive 
symbol.  He  was  accustomed,  in  his  earlier  years,  to 
commit  to  writing  the  results  of  his  examination, 
under  the  different  items  of  sins  to  be  confessed, 
graces  to  be  quickened,  thanksgivings  to  be  ren- 
dered, and  mercies  to  be  implored.  Anything  spe- 
cial in  his  exercises,  or  in  the  circumstances  of  life 
occurrent,  was  noted  and  brought  to  the  feet  of  his 
gracious  Lord.  He  went  to  the  table  to  meet  his 
Master,  and  expected  to  find  Him,  spiritually ;  he  put 
away  the  leaven  from  his  house  and  his  heart  when 
he  went  to  keep  the  Passover  of  a  better  dispensation, 
and  the  memorial  of  a  grander  deliverance.  No 
wonder  his  journal  reveals  to  us  that  they  were 
often  seasons  of  high  enjoyment ;  that  the  face  of  his 
soul  did  shine,  and  in  the  strength  thereof  he  walked 
long  and  joyfully.  We  shall  have  frequent  occa- 
sions, in  quoting  from  his  journal,  as  we  seek  to  show 
the  development  of  his  inner  life,  to  present  records 
illustrating  this  fact,  and  its  influence  in  the  growth 
of  his  piety. 

Aug.  17.   "I  think  that   God  has   disposed  my 

*  Published  by  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication. 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  89 

mind  to  gratitude  more  than  formerly.  Oh!  that 
emotions  may  become  habits.  My  mind  seems  also 
turned  to  the  observation  of  Divine  Providence.  This 
is  a  pleasing  exercise — a  source  of  confidence  and 
comfort.  On  examining  my  temper  and  conduct  in 
the  ministry,  I  find  that  I  much  need  the  unction  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  Give  me  humility  that  I  may  en- 
force the  better  that  precious  grace,  for  Christ's  sake. 
Amen !" 

August  30.  ''I  have  to  lament  the  infirmities  of 
my  flesh,  and  miscarriages  of  my  conduct.  I  fear  that 
I  sinned  on  the  last  evening.  Forgive  me,  O  Lord. 
O  that  I  were  more  watchful  in  observing  and  em- 
bracing opportunities  for  advancing  piety.  Oh !  for 
the  unction  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  for  the  spirit  of 
my  station ;  for  more  animation  and  energy  in 
preaching ;  for  compassion  to  immortal  souls ;  for 
fidelity ;  for  success ;  for  delight  in  my  work !  Help 
me,  0  Lord."  "  On  examination  I  find  that  I  need 
much  towards  fulfilling  my  duty  to  the  Lord  Jesus. 
Oh!  that  he  may  become  more  and  more  precious  to 
my  soul.  Oh !  that  I  could  live  by  faith  in  the  full- 
ness of  Jesus."  '^I  find  that  my  exercises  should  be 
more  distinctly  accommodated  to  the  economy  of  re- 
demption ;  that  my  desires  and  prayers  for  the  Holy 
Spirit  ought  to  be  more  earnest  and  importunate; 
that  I  should  beware  lest  I  grieve  Him  by  sen- 
suality, intemperance,  or  by  unholy  passions,  and 
that  I  ought  to  obey  all  his  motions  and  employ 
every  means  for  obtaining  a  more  plentiful  share  of 
his  quickening,  sanctifying,  and  comforting  influences. 


40  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

Maj  the  Lord  help  me  in  these  things  and  make  me 
dutiful  to  the  Holy  Spirit." 

October  5.  "■  What  a  testimony  to  the  insufficiency 
of  human  strength,  unaided  by  the  power  of  religion, 
have  I  seen  during  the  course  of  the  last  week !  A 
young  man  in  the  vigour  of  health,  with  all  the  com- 
forts of  life  about  him,  seemingly  without  a  cause, 
attempted  to  terminate  his  days.  What  a  witness  in 
favour  of  religion,  which  alone  can  afford  adequate 
help  and  comfort,  under  the  troubles  of  this  mortal 
state !  I  bless  God  for  preserving  me  from  such 
infatuation,  and  giving  me  the  aids  and  consolations 
of  his  holy  religion,  to  sustain  my  soul  under  the 
tribulations  through  which  I  have  passed.  I  bless  my 
God,  who  hath  redeemed  my  soul  out  of  all  my  troubles. 
In  him  would  I  trust,  and  to  his  glory  I  would  spend 
my  days.  For  his  help,  during  the  absence  of  my  be- 
loved colleague,  I  desire  to  render  my  hearty  thanks. 
He  has  exceeded  my  expectations.  Trust  him,  there- 
fore, O  my  soul,  for  all  that  remains  of  thy  mortal 
days.  Soon  will  they  be  over,  and  thou,  I  hope, 
wilt  enter  into  rest.  I  bless  God  for  the  composure 
and  peace  of  mind  which  I  have  enjoyed  for  some 
few  years.  Now  I  feel  some  transient  attacks  on  my 
faith.  May  God  support  it  and  not  suffer  it  to  be 
moved." 

October  11.  "I  bless  God  for  the  restoration  of  my 
colleague,  and  for  the  improvement  of  his  health.  I 
thank  him  for  the  succour  afforded  me  during  his 
absence.  The  Lord  bless  my  colleague.  I  have 
commenced  an  examination  of  myself  by  the  help  of 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY,  41 

President  Edwards's  Treatise  on  tlie  Affections.  May- 
God  direct  and  assist  the  inquiry  and  make  it  faith- 
ful, accurate,  and  comfortable.  Preserve  me,  O  Lord, 
from  self-delusions  and  from  the  snares  of  Satan.  Be 
witness  with  my  spirit  that  I  am  the  Lord's." 

October  18.  ''I  have  frequently  prayed  to  Him, 
who  heareth  the  prayer  of  faith,  that  He  would  am- 
plify the  powers  of  my  soul  and  increase  them 
according  to  their  several  natures.  If  I  mistake  not, 
the  prayer  has  been  heard.  It  seems  clear  that  the 
enlargement  and  improvement  has  taken  place.  May 
I  not  give  thee  thanks,  0  Lord,  for  this,  and  view 
it  as  an  answer  to  my  petition  ?" 

October  26.  ''The  occurrences  of  the  week  are 
influenced  by  the  way  in  which  the  Sabbath  is  spent. 
If  we  perform  the  duties  of  it  well,  we  may  expect 
success  in  the  business  of  the  ensuing  week,  but  if 
not,  the  following  days  are  likely  to  be  unsuccessful. 
I  think  my  experience  bears  witaess  to  the  truth  of 
this  remark.  I  must  record  that  my  exercises  are 
not  so  pleasant  as  they  have  been ;  my  prayers  are 
less  ardent,  and  my  praises  more  languid,  and  my 
meditations  less  impressive.  Awaken,  O  Lord,  my 
soul ;  excite  holy  desires ;  stir  up  my  affections ; 
strengthen  my  faith,  and  let  my  whole  soul  be  de- 
lightfully and  ardently  engaged  in  thy  worship  and 
service.  Oh,  for  evangelical  views  of  God,  that  I  may 
become  more  holy.  Accept  my  thanks,  0  Lord,  for 
the  comforts  of  this  Sabbath.  Bless  my  labours  to 
the  comfort  and  edification  of  thy  people,  for  Christ's 
sake.  Amen." 
4 


42  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

He  was  accustomed  all  his  life,  after  his  entrance 
on  the  service  of  Grod,  to  spend  part  of  Saturday 
evening  in  private  meditation  and  prayer.  "Because 
it  was  the  preparation,  that  is,  the  day  before  the  Sab- 
bath." Mark  xv. :  42.  It  is  among  the  earliest  recollec- 
tions of  him  who  pens  these  lines,  to  see  his  sainted 
father,  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  retire  to 
his  study,  and  remain  in  close  seclusion  for  an  hour 
or  more.  Then  he  would  come  forth  and  meet  his 
family  in  the  evening  worship.  He  uniformly,  it  is 
believed,  declined  all  engagements,  which  might  hin- 
der these  exercises,  and  no  claims  of  company  could 
prevent  this  habit  of  his  life.  The  Sabbath  stood 
high  in  his  veneration.  His  wish  was  that  in  his 
family  all  servile  work  might  be  closed  on  Saturday 
evenings,  and  as  few  duties  claim  attention  on  the 
Sabbath  as  possible.  He  remembered  the  command- 
ment— "  thy  man  servant — thy  maid  servant."  That 
persons  in  his  employ  should  enjoy  the  day  of  rest,  as 
well  as  himself,  was  the  fixed  principle  of  his  life.  It  will 
not  be  wondered  at,  therefore,  that  so  many  persons, 
who  at  difi'erent  periods  were  the  hired  servants  in  his 
family,  became  hopefully  pious.  Many  of  them  lived 
a  long  series  of  years  in  his  service.  To  him  the  Sab- 
bath was  a  day  of  pure  enjoyment.  The  toils  of 
public  service  did  not  hinder  the  rest  of  God  to  him. 
Through  a  long  life  he  stood  an  unflinching  cham- 
pion for  its  observance  and  never  ceased  to  rebuke 
all  violators.  In  after  life,  he  sold  out  a  remunerative 
stock  in  a  Sabbath-breaking  railroad,  at  loss  to  him- 
self, because  his  long  repeated  protests  and  remon- 


LIFE  OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  48 

strances  to  its  officers  produced  no  effect.  His  life,  in 
this  respect,  was  singularly  consistent,  as  in  all  other 
matters.  To  him,  the  Sabbath  was  an  eminent  means 
of  grace,  and  he  failed  not  to  labour  for  all  its  attain- 
able blessings.  "  For  some  time  past  my  mind  has  had 
doubts  as  to  my  state.  These  have  arisen  from,  I 
think,  the  languor  of  my  exercises.  They  are,  I 
hope,  the  means,  in  the  Divine  hand,  for  reviving  my 
soul.  Oh,  that  I  may  become  more  active  and  diligent." 

December  27.  "This  week  my  mind  has  been  dis- 
tressed with  anxious  thoughts,  with  too  ardent  thirst 
for  knowledge,  and  with  much  impatience.  Alas,  how 
have  I  broken  the  rule  of  contentment  given  by  our 
Saviour!  "Take  no  thought  for  the  morrow."  Surely 
I  have  been  guilty  of  much  distrust  of  God.  Hitherto 
hath  he  helped  me,  and  yet  my  soul  is  unbelieving. 
Forgive  me,  oh  Lord,  compose  my  soul  to  patience, 
restore  humility,  and  increase  my  faith.  For  some 
time  my  soul  has  been  very  dull,  and  my  graces 
have  lain  inactive.  If  I  am  not  roused  and  quick- 
ened, my  evidences  will  be  obscured,  and  of  conse- 
quence my  peace  will  be  broken  by  doubts  and 
fears.  Present  to  my  soul,  oh  Lord,  such  views  of 
thy  glory,  as  thy  people  have,  and  give  me 
that  love  which  they  possess,  a  love  implanted 
by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  founded  on  thy  infinite 
excellence." 

January  10,  1801.  "By  the  blessing  of  God,  my 
life  has  been  spared  through  another  year,  and  I  am 
still  permitted  to  employ  the  means  of  grace,  in 
order  to  prepare  for  heaven.    And  now,   oh  my 


44  LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

covenant  God,  I  would  renew  my  covenant,  and 
devote  the  year,  and  all  the  time  thoa  mayst  allow, 
to  thy  glory.  Furnish  me,  I  pray  thee,  with  grace, 
that  I  may  live  in  all  thy  commandments  and  ordi- 
nances blameless.  Seeing  my  time  is  now  shorter,  may 
I  give  all  diligence  to  redeem  what  may  remain,  that 
at  last  I  may  receive  the  plaudit,  "well  done  good  and 
faithful  servant,  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 

^' Teach  me,  blessed  Jesus,  how  to  preach  thy 
gospel.  Bless  and  prosper  me  on  the  Sabbath.  I 
trust,  that  in  the  great  work  of  the  ministry,  I  shall 
receive  thy  guidance  and  aid.  I  hope  in  thy 
promise ;  oh,  fulfil  it." 

February  1.  Sabbath.  "I  perceive  that  pride  is 
the  great  enemy  of  my  soul.  Often  it  prevents  the 
enjoyment  of  God,  and  enlargement  of  heart.  I 
must  be  emptied  before  I  am  filled.  Alas,  that  my 
soul  is  so  foolish  and  sinful  as  to  indulge  in  pride. 
Were  I  more  humble,  I  should  have  more  com- 
munion with  God,  and  more  comfort.  I  think  he  is 
humbling  me.  Blessed  be  his  name,  that  I,  in  any 
measure,  see  the  sin  of  pride,  and  the  importance  of 
humility,  and  that  I  labour  in  any  degree  to  suppress 
the  rising  of  pride,  and  pray  with  any  ardour  for 
humility.  I  feel  my  insufficiency  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  But  I  look  to  Him,  who  hath  promised: 
'  Lo,  I  am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world.'  Blessed  be  God,  that  I  feel  a  confidence  that 
Jesus  will  aid  me,  and  teach  me  how  to  preach  his 
precious  gospel.     I  thank  him  for  past  aid." 

He  frequently  complains  of  his  insufficiency  for 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  45 

his  great  work,  and  seems  ready  to  sink  beneath  the 
burdensome  responsibility.  He  clings  to  the 
promise,  and  holds  to  the  anchor.  ''I  feel  my  insuffi- 
ciency for  my  ministerial  labors.  How  shall  I  go 
in  and  out  before  my  people?"  are  remarks  often 
occurrent. 

About  this  time,  a  painful  trial  disturbed,  and  for 
years  harassed  his  mind.  Bitter  and  deep  seem  to 
have  been  his  sorrows — painful  his  exercises.  In  the 
excess  of  his  conscientiousness,  and  the  lowliness  of 
his  humility,  he  doubted  his  standing  in  the  affec- 
tions and  esteem  of  his  people.  He  was  young,  and 
stood  along  side  of  an  accomplished  veteran  in  the 
service  of  Christ.  His  shrinking  spirit  doubted  his 
qualifications  for  his  great  work,  in  a  great  city. 
We  shall  not  interrupt  the  narrative,  by  such  large 
quotations  from  different  years  in  his  journal,  which 
exhibit  these  painful  struggles.  They  are  noted 
here,  in  their  chronological  order,  and  will  occur 
again,  in  recitals  from  his  journal,  and  quotations 
from  letters  received  from  esteemed  and  distin- 
guished friends,  until  years  after  God's  providence 
made  his  duty  plain,  and  released  the  bird  from  the 
snare  of  the  fowler. 

^'My  mind  is  sometimes  troubled  with  thinking 
about  my  standing  in  the  affections  of  my  people.  I 
at  times,  think  that  I  occupy  the  place  of  one  better 
qualified  for  this  important  station."  In  the  second 
church  of  our  communion  on  the  continent,  with 
such  distinguished  men  for  his  hearers,  his  well- 
known  modesty  shrunk.  But  when  Philadelphia 
4* 


46  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

ceased  to  be  the  capital  of  the  Union,  and  these 
notables  removed,  he  still  doubted  his  acceptance 
with  the  mass  of  the  people ;  and  yet,  even  then,  had 
he  won  his  way  to  the  hearts  of  the  people,  and  in 
a  subdued  sense,  like  his  gracious  Master,  it  might 
be  said,  ''the  common  people  heard  him  gladly."  His 
kindness  to  the  poor,  his  open-handed  charity,  gave 
him,  though  he  knew  it  not,  a  vigorous  hold  on  their 
love.  We  shall  have  frequent  occasion  to  recur  to 
this  again,  and  see  it  as  it  doubtless  was  presented,  as 
part  of  the  discipline  of  his  life,  to  quicken  the  graces 
of  his  meek  and  quiet  spirit. 

January  22.  "I  seem  to  take  pleasure  in  the 
sovereignty  of  God.  Surely  it  is  right,  he  should 
reign.  My  soul  rejoices  in  his  unlimited  and  uncon- 
trolable  dominion.  The  last  week,  it  was  my  desire, 
and  my  endeavour,  to  commit  my  all  into  the  hands 
of  God ;  to  give  my  time,  talents,  reputation,  yea, 
and  life  also,  to  him,  that  he  might  dispose  of  them 
according  to  his  sovereign  pleasure.  I  see  that  this 
is  necessary  to  enable  me  to  discharge  my  duties 
impartially,  boldly,  and  faithfully.  Once  I  thought 
something  of  myself,  as  to  the  ministry,  but  now  I 
see  that  I  am  nothing.  Lord,  who  is  sufficient  for 
this  great  work?  Men  would  have  me  preach 
smooth  things.  But,  I  trust,  I  dare  not  thus 
endanger  their  souls,  and  my  own  soul.  Let  me 
never  seek  popularity  at  the  expense  of  duty.  Let 
me  never  preach  myself,  but  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord 
and  Saviour.  Teach  me,  oh  God,  how  to  proclaim 
thy  truth.     Make  me  to  feel  its  solemn  power.     Oh ! 


LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  47 

for  compassion  to  the  souls  of  men,  and  zeal  for  thy 
glory.     How  long,  oh  Lord,  shall  I  pray  for  these." 

April  12.  "  By  the  grace  of  God,  I  trust  that  I  am 
gaining  ground  upon  some  of  my  corruptions. 
Envy  and  desire  of  applause  do  not  operate  as  they 
have  done.  I  desire  to  rejoice  in  the  prosperity  of 
others,  and  to  content  myself  with  esteem  sufficient  to 
make  me  useful,  and  to  seek  influence  only  that  I 
may  glorify  God.  What  I  have  comes  from  him ; 
blessed  be  his  holy  name.  I  could  record  the  good- 
ness of  God,  in  helping  me  on  in  my  ministerial 
labours,  and  making  me  successful  in  study,  beyond 
my  expectations.  Help,  Lord !  It  is  a  serious  thing 
to  die.  This  day  I  visited  a  woman  dying.  Her 
evidences  of  grace  are  not  clear.  How  needful  to 
have  comfort  through  the  Holy  Ghost,  when  we  are 
just  going  through  the  dark  valley,  and  to  appear 
before  the  tribunal  of  justice.  May  God  grant  that, 
when  I  come  to  die,  I  may  be  ready,  having  a  lively 
hope,  and  bearing  testimony  to  the  power  and  ex- 
cellence of  religion." 

April  19.  *'My  experience  with  regard  to  my 
ministerial  work  is  various.  Sometimes  I  feel  dis- 
couraged, lest  I  should  not  be  able  to  proceed  with 
my  compositions.  But  these  apprehensions  are  less 
frequent  and  painful  than  formerly.  The  prospect 
is  much  better.  At  other  times  I  feel  encouraged — 
a  large  field  opens  to  my  view-^many  subjects 
crowd  upon  my  mind.  The  Lord  is  merciful. 
Hitherto  hath  he  helped,  and  he  will  help  in  time  to 
come.     I  feel  my  insufficiency  for  the  station  which 


48  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

God,  in  liis  adorable  providence,  liatli  assigned  me. 
My  soul  is  but  little  animated  with  the  spirit  of  my 
station.  I  feel  but  little  compassion  for  souls.  I  am 
surprised  that  I  experience  so  little  of  the  influence 
of  those  awful  considerations  which  ought  to  ani- 
mate my  whole  soul.  But  Jesus  is  suf&cient.  Oh ! 
JesuS;  Master,  make  me  to  feel  the  enlivening  power 
of  thy  truth.  Strengthen  my  faith  and  redouble  my 
exertions  in  thy  service.  Oh!  may  I  study  to  ap- 
prove myself  to  thee.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  for  aid 
heretofore.  Let  not  thy  grace  fail  me.  Eender 
my  labours  successful." 

April  26.  Sabbath.  "This  day,  by  the  permission 
of  God,  I  communicated.  Dear  Jesus,  Master,  when 
wilt  thou  manifest  thyself  in  me  as  thou  doest  not 
to  the  world?  When  shall  I  rejoice  with  fulness  of 
joy  in  holding  fellowship  with  the  Father  and  with 
thee?" 

May  3.  Sabbath.  "Though  in  communicating  on 
last  Sabbath  I  had  no  particular  sensible  communion 
with  God,  yet  I  trust  that  it  was  good  for  me  to  be 
at  my  Lord  and  Saviour's  table,  for  the  experience 
of  the  last  week  has  been  precious  to  my  soul.  I 
felt  the  reasonableness  and  happiness  of  giving  all 
to  God,  to  do  with  me  and  mine  as  he  shall  please. 
I  prayed  to  be  able,  and  endeavoured  to  give  all  into 
his  hands,  earnestly  desiring  that  I  might  never 
foolishly  wish  to  take  it  back.  Thanks  to  God  for 
this  experience.  I  have  also  been  taught,  with 
lively  impressions,  wherein  my  happiness  consists, 
viz :  in  the  possession  of  practical  knowledge,  in  the 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J,  J.  JANEWAY.  49 

exercise  of  social  benevolence,  and  of  divine  affec- 
tions, and  in  corresponding  conduct.  This  is  happi- 
ness indeed.  God,  I  think,  is  emptying  me,  that  he 
may  fill  me  in  due  time.  Take  with  me,  oh  God, 
thine  own  way.  Empty  me  and  then  fill  me.  Pride 
is  a  separating  wall  between  me  and  communion 
with  God.  Break  it  down,  oh  Lord,  that  I  may  see 
thy  face  more  clearly  and  with  joy.  Cursed  pride, 
perish  from  my  soul.  Too  much  regard  has  been  paid 
to  the  presence  of  a  man  this  day,  not  that  I  feared 
him,  but  too  much  regard  was  paid  to  his  opinions. 
My  soul  resisted  it.     Forgive  me,  oh  Lord ! 

May  11.  "By  the  blessing  of  God  I  perceive  the 
necessity  of  acquiring  more  courage.  I  have  in  the 
last  week  made  struggles  to  overcome  my  fear  of 
the  face  of  man.  I  endeavoured  to  shame  myself  out 
of  it,  to  summon  the  energies  of  my  soul,  and 
blessed  be  God,  I  have  gained  ground.  Oh!  my 
soul,  how  shameful  for  thee,  who  hadst  the  Almighty 
Jehovah  on  thy  side,  to  be  afraid  of  any  creature. 
Oh !  to  have  no  fear  before  my  eyes  but  the  fear  of 
God.  The  Lord  assist  me  in  the  sermon  on  which  I 
am  now  labouring.  May  thy  Spirit  give  me  such 
clear  and  penetrating  views,  that  I  may,  with  force, 
conviction,  and  effect,  illustrate  the  happiness  of  the 
good  man.     For  Christ's  sake — Amen." 

May  17.  ''My  mind  has  been  comforted  with  the 
reflection  that  an  infinite  fulness  is  treasured  up  in 
Christ,  for  the  supply  of  his  people,  to  which  we  may 
with  freedom  and  with  confidence  apply,  in  order  to 
obtain  whatever  is  necessary  for  our  peace  and  com- 


50  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

fort,  and  for  our  future  happiness  and  glory. 
Blessed  be  God  for  his  -unspeakable  gift.  My  soul, 
I  charge  thee  to  live  by  faith  in  the  Son  of  God. 
Art  thou  in  darkness?  Seek  light  from  the  Sun  of 
Righteousness.  Art  thou  labouring  with  a  body  of 
sin  ?  Seek  grace  from  the  fountain  of  all  grace,  that 
aided  by  thy  Saviour's  supply,  thou  mayest  over- 
come all  thy  corruptions.  Art  thou  disconsolate? 
Seek  comfort  from  the  Great  High  Priest,  who,  hav- 
ing a  fellow-feeling,  pities  thy  infirmities,  and  is  able 
to  gladden  thy  heart.  In  a  word,  seek  everything 
from  Him." 

July  19.  ''The  last  week  I  received  some  lessons 
on  the  subject  of  my  dependence  on  God.  I  perceive 
that  I  owe  all  to  him ;  that  the  peace  and  composure 
of  my  mind  are  from  his  goodness ;  not  only  as  they 
respect  conscience,  but  as  they  regard  the  passions  of 
my  nature.  I  bless  thee,  0  my  Father,  for  the  peace 
and  serenity  of  mind,  which  I  have  enjoyed.  Con- 
firm it,  I  beseech  thee.  God,  I  think,  is  teaching 
me  to  feel  my  entire  dependence  on  him  for  all 
things.  Indeed  sometimes  I  feel  as  a  withered 
branch.  But  how  backward  am  I  to  learn !  I  need 
the  same  lesson  to  be  repeated  again  and  again. 
Happy  for  me  I  have  a  patient  and  gracious  In- 
structor. 

''  My  heart  has  felt  discouraged.  I  think  whether 
I  am  not  occupying  the  station  of  one  better  qualified 
to  fill  it  than  myself  I  have  endeavoured  to  comfort 
and  encourage  my  heart.  Let  God  be  all,  and  let  me 
be  nothing.     I  desire  to  leave  all  in  his  hands — mj 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  51 

healtli,  property,  friends,  reputation  and  life,  to  be 
^.isposed  of  according  to  his  will.  It  is  right  that  he 
should  reign  sovereignly.  How  arduous  the  ministry ! 
How  many  tastes  to  please!  How  many  prejudices 
to  encounter !  What  stupidity  in  sinners !  What 
unkind  judgments!  What  infirmities  in  myself! 
Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?  Help,  Lord,  and 
deliver  me  from  despondency.  Bless  me  with  eyery 
needed  grace  and  help  me  this  day  in  preaching  the 
word,  for  Christ's  sake.     Amen." 

"  I  feel  my  insufiiciency  for  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry.  How  much  cowardice !  how  little  zeal !  what 
want  of  feeling !  Am  I  a  professor  and  a  teacher  of 
the  holy  religion  of  Jesus  Christ!  My  God,  what 
inconsistency  in  my  conduct !  Where  is  my  zeal,  my 
patience,  my  fortitude,  my  perseverance  ?  where  my 
love  to  Jesus  and  my  compassion  to  immortal  souls  ? 
O  Jesus,  Master,  shall  I  always  live  and  teach  at  this 
poor  dying  rate  ?  Wilt  thou  not  revive  me  ?  Wilt 
thou  not  inspire  me  with  zeal  and  fortitude,  with 
love,  with  compassion?  Oh  open  thy  fountain  of 
grace  and  pour  upon  my  thirsty  soul  the  streams  of 
Divine  influence.  Awaken  all  my  drowsy  powers 
and  engage  them  all  in  thy  service.  Give  me  a 
double  portion  of  thy  grace  and  Holy  Spirit." 

August  27.  '^  Discouragement  yet  arises  from  an 
apprehension,  that  I  may  occupy  the  place  of  one 
better  qualified  for  this  important  station  to  which, 
in  the  providence  of  God,  I  have  been  brought.  I 
think  that  another  should  be  here.  Were  it  my  duty, 
I  think  I  could  willingly  resign  in  favour  of  one  of 


52  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

superior  talents.     Whether  I  still  am  acceptable  to 
my  people  is  a  qiiestion  which  costs  me,  at  times*, 
uneasiness.     I  find  consolation  in  an  inclination  to 
persevere  in  duty,  and  to  wait  on  Divine  providence." 
We  find  about  this  period  a  record,  which  he  calls 
''  a   memorial."      '^  Last   Thursday   evening    I   was 
called  to  visit  a  sick  man.     I  went,  conversed  and 
prayed  with  him.     The  next  day  I  was  sent  for  by 
him  and  did  as  before.     He  was  not  pious.     No  par- 
ticular effects  were  perceived  from  my  two  visits. 
My  encouragement  was  small.     On  Saturday  evening 
I  paid  another  visit.     Just  before  I  entered  his  house 
I  was  thinking  that  all  I  might  say  might  be  in  vain ; 
that  the  effect  depended  on  the  Spirit,  but  that  he 
might  use  my  feeble  instrumentality  for  good.    When 
I  saw  him  I  was  agreeably  surprised.     From  all  the 
conversation  between  us  this  evening,  I   had  good 
reason  to  believe,  that  God  had  blessed  my  endeavours 
to  his  soul.     These  were  his  declarations :  What  you 
have  said  has  had  a  wonderful  effect  on  my  soul.     I 
believe  you  ministers  are  set  up  to  change  the  hearts 
of  wicked  men ;  and  I  endeavoured  to  follow  your 
directions,  and  I  trust  with  success.     I  feel  revived ; 
I  seem  to  be  commencing  a  new  life ;   I  have  new 
views,  new  desires,  new  affections ;  I  seem  to  be  in  a 
new  world;    my  feelings  cannot  be  described;   my 
hope  is  in  Jesus  alone.     Since  I  have  cast  myself  at 
the  feet  of  sovereign  mercy  I  feel  easy.     I  am  in 
God's  hands;    he  may    do  with   me  as  he  pleases. 
What  a  wretch  I  have  been ;  I  look  with  pity  on 
every  sinner  I  behold.     Great  is  God's  goodness ;  I 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  53 

esteem  Jesus  Christ  God's  chief  mercy,  both  in  this 
world  and  the  world  to  come.  I  desire  to  be  an 
everlasting  trophy  of  Christ's  grace.  Faith,  I  find 
widely  different  from  what  I  once  thought  it.  Its 
effects  are  wonderful. 

"  My  soul  rejoice !  I  felt  humbled  under  a  sense 
of  God's  great  condescension  in  making  me  an  in- 
strument for  benefiting  a  soul.  I  give  him  all  the 
glory.  My  soul  doth  magnify  his  goodness.  Blessed 
be  his  name.  Reflections  on  this  event  have  been 
pleasant  to  my  soul.  This  day  accept  of  my  thanks, 
O  Lord,  and  forgive  the  want  of  more  lively  grati- 
tude." 

He  rejoices  and  gives  thanks  when  he  hears,  as  he 
does  frequently,  that  his  preaching  is  blessed  to  souls. 
He  knows  that  man  may  sow  the  seed,  but  the  shower 
and  the  sunshine  of  heaven  alone  can  make  it  pro- 
ductive. "I  perceive  the  importance  of  obtaining  a 
more  perfect  ministerial  temper.  '  We  preach  not  our- 
selves, but  Christ  Jesus,  and  ourselves  your  servants 
for  Christ's  sake.'  This  is  the  standard  to  which  I  desire 
to  conform  both  in  my  temper  and  conduct.  I  pay 
too  much  regard  to  my  reputation.  It  is  necessary 
to  usefulness.  But  an  improper  regard  may  be  paid 
to  it,  to  the  prejudice  of  religion.  What  I  have  God 
gave,  and  he  has  a  perfect  right  to  take  it  when  he 
pleases.  I  would  lay  it  at  his  feet.  Correct  my 
views,  sentiments  and  principles,  0  Lord.  'Tis  good 
to  pray.  This  evening  I  prayed  as  I  sat  down  to 
tea  with  the  family,  that  God  would  bless  our  dis- 
course. I  trust  my  petition  was  heard.  A  profitable 
5 


54  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

religious  discourse  ensued.  May  God  bless  it  to 
those  who  were  present.  My  soul,  remember  this, 
and  be  not  so  backward  to  lift  up  thy  heart  to  God. 
Think  not  that  he  sent  thee  on  a  warfare  at  thy  own 
charges.  Teach  me,  0  Lord,  to  pray.  By  happy 
experience  I  find  that  God  is  the  hearer  of  prayer. 
I  called  on  him,  and  my  cry  reached  his  ear.  I 
prayed  for  preparation  for  the  Lord's  Supper,  and,  I 
trust,  he  prepared  my  heart.  Every  act  of  trust  in 
God  is  followed  with  a  blessing.  I  endeavoured  to 
prepare  for  the  Sacrament.  My  secret  prayers  were 
delightful — at  least  sweet.  While  at  the  table  I  was 
enabled  to  speak  with  animation  and  feeling.  My 
soul,  in  the  communion,  was,  I  trust,  sincerely  en- 
gaged. 'Twas  good  to  be  there.  The  benefits  I  hope 
to  experience  in  my  heart  and  life.  I  prayed  for  for- 
giveness, for  penitence,  for  humility,  for  courage,  for 
the  spirit  of  my  station,  for  compassion  to  the  souls 
of  sinners,  for  success  in  my  ministry,  for  God  to 
turn  the  hearts  of  my  people  to  me,  for  growth  in 
grace,  for  my  parents,  for  fidelity  in  the  covenant, 
that  I  might  not  be  left  to  my  own  strength.  I 
made  a  covenant  with  the  high  and  holy  God.  To 
him  I  swore  fidelity.  My  soul  remember  this !  O 
God,  make  me  faithful !  O  Jesus,  make  me  faithful ! 
0  Holy  Ghost,  make  me  faithful." 

And  then  the  alternating  shades,  as  with  all  true' 
believers — "when  I  would  do  good,  evil  is  present" 
with  me — messengers  of  Satan  to  buffet,  after  seasons 
of  elevation.  So  he  writes,  ''Alas!  my  wicked  heart! 
0  my  cursed  pride !     What  a  struggle  I  have  had 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  55 

with  it !  God  favours  me  and  pride  arises.  Like  a 
wall  it  rises  to  divide  God  from  my  soul.  Break 
down  the  separating  wall,  Almighty  Lord.  With  a 
hand  gently  severe  tear  pride  from  my  heart.  Oh, 
what  ingratitude  to  requite  God  so !  The  praise  is 
due  to  him  alone ;  but  my  wicked  heart  would  rob 
him,  and  ascribe  to  itself  honour.  I  repent,  0  Lord ! 
Alas! that  I  can  repent  no  more!  Show  me  the  vile- 
ness  of  the  crime,  and  make  me  hate  it  perfectly.  I 
have  struggled  against  pride.  I  have  prayed  against 
pride.  Nay,  I  have  experienced,  I  think,  groanings 
against  it,  which  cannot  be  uttered.  Thus  the  gra- 
cious Spirit,  according  to  promise,  hath  helped  my 
infirmities." 

'^  Praise  I  find  to  be  the  natural  expression  of  a 
soul  under  the  influence  of  God's  Holy  Spirit.  After 
service,  this  afternoon,  when  I  got  into  my  chamber, 
my  soul  almost  involuntarily  broke  out  into  this  ex- 
pressions of  gratitude  and  praise.  Praise  the  Lord, 
thou  heaven  and  thou  earth.  Praise  him,  ye  angels 
and  ye  men.  Praise  him,  ye  heavens,  and  ye  heavens 
above  the  heavens.  Praise  him,  thou  sun  and  moon, 
and  ye  stars  of  light.  Praise  him,  ye  oceans  and 
rivers  of  waters.  Praise  him,  ye  springs  and  fountains 
of  water.  Praise  him,  ye  forests  and  trees,  ye  moun- 
tains and  hills.  Praise  him,  every  being,  rational  and 
irrational,  immaterial  and  material.  Join  in  the  uni- 
versal song  of  praise,  O  my  soul,  and  all  that  is 
within  me  bless  his  holy  name.  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my 
soul,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits.  What  tongue  can 
describe,  what  heart  conceive  thy  goodness?     Did 


56  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

I  but  realize  thy  majesty  and  glory;  did  I  but  realize 
my  own  unworthiness  and  guilt,  then  thy  mercy  in 
redeeming  me  from  that  hell  which  I  richly  deserved, 
in  entitling  me  to  a  heaven,  to  which,  by  my  own 
obedience  I  could  never  have  acquired  a  claim,  would 
appear  transcendently  free,  rich,  sovereign — worthy 
of  my  everlasting  praise." 

December  20.  ''I  am  not  enough  solicitous  about 
the  success  of  my  ministry.  Oh,  that  I  had  more  of  the 
spirit  of  my  station !  I  have  reason  to  bless  God  for 
making  me  an  instrument  for  doing  any  good.  If  I 
mistake  not,  I  have  an  habitual  willingness  to  die, 
though  I  feel  a  desire  to  remain  here  in  order  to  be 
of  some  service  in  the  world.  Death  at  a  distance, 
and  death  near,  are  indeed  objects  very  different,  and 
that  grace  which  is  sufiBicient  to  contemplate  the  one 
with  composure,  is  not  enough  to  grapple  with  the 
other.     But  I  hope  in  season  to  receive  grace  to  die." 

The  last  day  of  the  year  he  spent  in  fasting,  and 
prayer,  and  praise.  He  read  suitable  and  chosen  por- 
tions of  the  word  of  God,  and  confessing  his  sins  and 
imploring  pardon,  he  received  the  mercies  of  life  and 
gave  thanks.  The  passing  year  was  inquired  of, 
and  then  in  what  way  the  opening  one  should  be 
spent.  His  services  in  the  ministry  seemed  cold,  and 
he  blushed  before  God.  But  all  he  takes  and  lays  at 
the  feet  of  his  adorable  Redeemer.  Thus  the  year 
closed  and  found  him  watching. 

January  8,  1802.  "  I  bless  God  that  my  life,  and 
health,  and  privileges  have  been  preserved  through 
another  year.      I  pray  that  this  year  may,  if  I  be 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  67 

spared,  be  devoted  to  tliee,  and  that  under  the  quick- 
ening, transforming,  and  purifying  influences  of  thy 
Hofy  Spirit,  I  may  live  much  to  thy  glory ;  so  that 
the  examination  of  this  year  may  find  me,  in  prepara- 
tion, nearer  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 

At  all  times  ready  to  visit  the  sick  and  afflicted, 
no  matter  how  lowly,  he  extended  at  times  his  calls 
to  the  Bettering  House,  as  the  Almshouse  was  fami- 
liarly called.  The  sight  of  the  many  there  afflicted 
and  destitute  of  religious  consolation,  except  as  when 
casually  bestowed  by  some  of  the  city  pastors, 
touched  his  sympathies,  and  the  idea  occurred  to  his 
mind  of  arranging  some  permanent  attention  to  their 
spiritual  necessities.  He  proposed  it  on  the  next 
meeting  of  the  ministers,  and  it  was  approved.  It 
issued  in  a  series  of  efforts  for  many  years,  sustained 
by  which,  the  old  Almshouse,  in  Spruce  street,  had 
the  gospel  carried  through  its  wards. 

An  anxiety  to  be  useful  led  him  to  pray  that  G-od 
would,  for  his  encouragement,  allow  him  to  see  His 
work  prospering  in  his  hands.  He  learns  that  seve- 
ral had  been  benefited,  and  then  he  takes  courage  in 
reflecting  that  the  seed  had  been  sown  by  his  preach- 
ing in  many  places,  of  whose  issue  he  shall  have  no 
knowledge,  till  in  heaven  he  behold  the  harvest. 
His  heart  is  cheered  by  a  larger  accession  to  the 
Church  than  had  been  her  favour  for  many  years. 
Eleven,  and  most  of  them  in  the  dew  of  their 
youth,  are  received,  and  the  prospect  of  an  equal 
number  on  the  next  occasion.  The  work  of  revival 
was  dear  then  and  always  to  his  heart.     He  could 


58  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEAVAY. 

rejoice  in  its  occurrence  anywhere,  and  had  holy  sym- 
pathy with  his  more  favoured  brethren,  who,  as  the 
new  century  was  opening,  in  many  parts  of  the 
land,  were  shouting  with  the  joy  of  harvest.  We 
find  the  pious  in  our  communion,  in  Philadelphia, 
praying  and  longing  for  such  visitations  of  mercy. 
As  the  showers  were  falling  elsewhere,  and  a  new  era 
was  inaugurated  in  our  country,  he  longs  that  the 
city  of  his  adoption,  and  the  people  of  his  charge 
might  be  likewise  blessed.     He  writes : 

'^  There  appears  among  the  Presbyterian  congre- 
gations more  seriousness.  We  have  tokens  for 
good.  I  hope  a  revival  will  shortly  take  place. 
This  is  the  expectation  of  pious  people.  O  Lord, 
let  the  blessing  come.  Shower  down  thy  Holy 
Spirit.  Let  his  influences  descend  as  showers  on 
the  mown  grass.  Let  an  increase  of  thy  Church 
arrive,  for  Christ's  sake.  An  unusual  attention  is 
paid  to  religion ;  numbers  are  under  serious  impres- 
sions. Last  Friday  evening,  four  young  ladies 
waited  for  conversation  after  service.  This  was  a 
rare  sight!  Such  being  the  state  of  affairs  among 
us,  I  feel  the  necessity  of  having  religion  revived  in 
my  own  soul.  I  have  told  our  people  so.  I  have 
been  seeking  a  revival,  and  I  trust,  I  shall  find  it. 
On  Thursday  night  I  lay  awake,  sleep  being  pre- 
vented by  religious  meditations.  I  was  thinking 
of  rest  in  God,  and  if  I  mistake  not,  found  rest 
in  God.  This  afternoon  I  found  enlargement  in 
prayer,  and  was  enabled  to  be  a  little  importunate 
for  a  revival  of  religion.     Make  me,  0  God,  perse- 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  59 

vering  in  seeking  it.  Let  me  not  grow  weary. 
Should  a  revival  come,  I  fear  my  insufficiency.  But 
God,  I  hope,  will  assist  me  according  to  my  day. 
My  prayer  is,  let  a  revival  come,  whatever  may  be- 
come of  me,  and  that  if  I  be  in  the  way  I  may  be 
removed.  But  God,  I  hope,  will  make  me  helpful 
to  others." 

''God  hath  shown  me,  in  some  measure,  the  im- 
portance of  a  revival  of  religion  in  my  soul.  While  he 
is  showering  his  grace  on  other  places,  surely  I  ought 
to  be  desirous  of  partaking  in  the  precious  blessing. 
Last  evening  my  exercises  were  pleasant.  A  few 
thoughts  of  this  kind  passed  though  my  mind: 
Feeling  comfortable,  I  thought  within  myself  that  I 
should  not  wish  more  comfort  than  was  for  my  use- 
fulness ;  however  desirable  to  have  much  of  God's 
love  in  the  heart,  yet  I  felt  willing  to  give  up  a  por- 
tion for  the  good  of  others,  and  wait  till  I  arrive  in 
heaven  for  full  enjoyment.  I  felt  a  desire  to  do  my 
work,  and  though  heaven  is  very  desirable,  yet  if 
God  have  a  work  for  me,  I  would  rather  defer  my 
entrance  into  heaven  till  I  had  accomplished  my 
work.  But  I  further  thought  that  as  communion 
with  God  was  a  gracious  privilege,  and  greatly  con- 
duced to  activity  in  his  service,  it  was  my  privilege 
to  desire  and  pray  for  it. 

''Thursday  I  preached  from  Acts  ix.  31.  The 
object  of  the  discourse  was  to  stir  up  the  people  of 
God  to  seek  a  revival  of  religion  in  their  own  souls. 
This  address  must  not  be  forgotten.  If  I  be  not 
revived  after  this,  I  shall  dishonour  myself.   God  help 


60  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANE  VV AY. 

me  and  stir  me  up  to  importunate  and  fervent  prayer 
for  a  revival!" 

"On  Monday  morning,  I  received  an  anonymous 
letter  from  one  of  the  congregation,  in  wMch  lie  ex- 
presses a  great  deal  of  affection.  He  mentions  tliat 
for  a  few  Sabbaths  past  lie  beard  me  with  unusual 
pleasure;  but  be  informs  me  tbat  bitberto  be 
bad  regarded  me  as  preaching  an  unknown 
Christ.  This  suspicion  was  altogether  unexpected. 
He  mentions  that  he  bad  imbibed  prejudices  against 
my  ministerial  character,  but  knew  not  whether  the 
change  be  in  himself  or  in  my  preaching.  I  have 
thought  much  on  this  subject.  It  grieves  me  that 
any  should  suspect  my  piety.  Oh!  had  not  God 
given  me  a  hope  of  an  interest  in  Christ,  I  should 
never  have  entered  the  ministry.  I  abhor  dissimu- 
lation. God  is  my  witness  that  I  engaged  in  the 
ministry  from  a  sense  of  duty.  Alas!  that  people 
will  suffer  prejudices  to  obstruct  their  edification. 
This  is  my  grief.  Were  their  edification  not  con- 
cerned, I  could,  I  think,  with  God's  assistance,  easily 
surmount  what  is  merely  personal.  Well,  my  conso- 
lation is  that  God  will  fulfil  his  purposes.  I  must 
endeavour  to  be  more  active  and  engaged.  I  need  a 
revival,  and  I  hope  God  will  give  it.  I  have  more 
and  more  encouragement."  And  thus  he  treats  this 
unworthy  suspicion.  His  meek  and  quiet  spirit  was 
bruised  only  because  religion  might  suffer.  There 
is  not  a  syllable  in  his  journal,  which  gives  any  clue 
to  the  person's  name,  or  a  word  of  unkindness  to  the 
mistaken  brother  who  inflicted  the  stab  in  the  dark. 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  61 

No  wonder  his  mind  again  reverts  to  his  old  fears, 
and  he  is  again  disturbed  with  reference  to  his  fitness 
for  his  station.  But  his  refuge  is  in  God.  He 
recalls  past  mercies  and  dares  to  hope  for  the  future. 
It  quickens  his  prayers.  His  soul  is  drawn  out  for 
the  baptism.  "  God  can  use  me — a  broken  earthen 
vessel."  As  week  after  week  passed,  he  well  nigh 
fainted  in  the  efforts  by  which  his  mind  was  taxed. 

"I  have  increasing  encouragement  to  hope  for  a 
revival  of  religion  in  my  soul.  Indeed  I  hope  it  is 
already  begun.  My  prayers  and  other  exercises,  this 
week,  have  been  more  pleasant."  "  In  my  desire  to 
be  instrumental  in  promoting  a  revival,  I  have  fool- 
ishly attempted  to  prescribe  to  God.  He  hath 
taught  me  to  repent  of  it.  I  feel  unworthy  of  the 
honour.  Justly  might  I  be  cast  away  as  useless. 
But  God,  I  trust,  will  use  me,  though  I  am  weak 
and  unworthy." 

This  period  was  the  day  of  the  great  outpourings 
of  the  Spirit  of  God  in  many  parts  of  New  England, 
and  more  remarkably  so  in  the  frontier  States  of 
Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  The  tidings  came  fresh 
and  joyous,  and  the  people  of  God  were  in  high 
expectation.  Always  a  friend  of  revivals,  rejoicing 
in  the  success  of  any  brother,  his  heart  beat  in 
blessed  sympathy  with  the  prosperity  of  the  Redeem- 
er's kingdom.  It  became  the  fashion,  in  a  later 
period  of  his  life,  with  certain  characters  who  arro- 
gated to  themselves  a  speciality  in  creating  and 
managing  revivals,  to  stigmatize  men  of  his  class  as 
behind  a  progressive  age,  and  even  to  insinuate  that 


62  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

tliey  were  unfriendly  to  sucli  displays  of  mercy. 
Never  was  suspicion  more  unfounded.  Dr.  Janeway 
was  a  lifelong  friend  of  tliese  spiritual  harvests.  He 
prayed  for  them;  lie  rejoiced  over  them;  and  cold 
water  to  a  thirsty  soul  was  not  so  refreshing  as 
when,  at  the  great  gathering  of  his  church  in  Greneral 
Assembly,  the  news  came  in  joyous  profusion  that 
the  Spirit  was  poured  from  on  high.  He  uniformly 
invited  to  preach  in  his  pulpit  the  brethren,  who, 
coming  fresh  from  these  places  of  refreshing,  he 
trusted  would  kindle  the  sacred  fire  among  the 
people  of  his  charge.  But  Providence,  in  his  time, 
has  vindicated  him  and  others.  The  glare  has 
passed  away,  and  many  of  those  whose  novelties 
disturbed  our  peace  are  unknown  and  unhonoured. 
We  shall  have  abundant  proof,  as  we  proceed,  of  his 
earnestness  in  the  behalf  of  all  genuine  works  of 
mercy ;  and  his  children  remember  how,  in  his  last 
days,  his  soul  took  fire,  as,  with  the  look  of  a 
prophet,  he  announced  the  near  approach  of  those 
marvels  of  mercy  which  the  church  now  by  mercy 
enjoys.  This  we  will  not  anticipate.  These  remarks 
are  made  as  explanatory  of  the  fervour  of  his  spirit, 
and  to  show  how  he  had  imbibed  the  spirit  of  the 
day  in  which  he  lived. 

"  Thoughts  of  this  kind  have  passed  through  my 
mind.  I  am  God's  entirely.  He  has  a  right  to 
dispose  of  me  as  he  will.  If  he  should  choose  to 
hold  me  up  to  contempt,  it  would  be  right ;  and  I 
desire  to  acquiesce  in  his  will.  Grreat  God,  give  full 
and  unreserved  submission.     Amen." 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  63 

April  14.  ^'  This  day  I  have  spent  in  fasting  and 
prayer.  My  objects  were — 1st.  To  humble  myself 
on  account  of  my  backsliding  in  affections.  This  I 
was  enabled  in  some  measure  to  do.  I  mourned 
before  God,  and  reviewed  the  several  aggravations 
of  my  backsliding.  God,  I  hope,  will  forgive  me. 
2d.  To  pray  for  a  revival  of  religion  in  my  own  soul. 
Here  I  considered  the  importance  of  it,  in  order  to 
my  own  happiness,  to  glorify  God,  to  enforce  my 
instructions  with  a  good  example.  My  encourage- 
ments were,  God's  promise — Hosea  xiv.  4 — my 
desire  and  prayer ;  the  efficacy  of  prayer  as  evidenced 
in  the  experience  of  the  ancient  saints,  and  in  my 
own  experience;  what  I  have  already  felt  of  a 
revival,  and  what  God  is  doing  in  various  parts  of 
his  church,  and  in  this  city.  These  I  turned  into 
prayer,  and  endeavoured  to  fill  my  mouth  with  argu  • 
ments.  3d.  To  pray  for  a  revival  in  our  congregation 
and  in  this  city.  Encouragements  were,  its  import- 
ance ;  the  desires,  expectations,  and  prayers  of  God's 
people;  what  is  going  on  in  various  parts  of  the 
church,  and  the  favourable  appearance  in  this  city. 
These  I  turned  into  arguments  at  the  throne  of  grace. 
I  felt  encouraged.  4th.  To  reflect  on  the  grounds  of 
encouragement  which  I  have  for  hoping  that  God 
will  afford  me  the  necessary  aid  for  performing  my 
duties  as  a  pastor  in  this  city.  I  thought  of  my 
insufficiency,  a  ad  on  the  great  honour  which  Jesus 
Christ  has  put  on  me  by  calling  me  to  his  ministry. 
Oh !  it  is  an  unspeakable  honour !  Oh !  to  realize  it 
as  such !     My  grounds  for  hope  are,  that  I  was  called 


64:  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

liitlier  without  my  seeking  tlie  place ;  the  difficulties 
through  which  God  has  already  carried  me  beyond 
my  expectations,  the  blessing  granted  to  my  labours, 
the  power  of  God,  the  promise  and  grace  of  Jesus. 
These  were  arguments  which  I  used  in  prayer.  I 
have  enjoyed  this  day  Divine  assistance,  for  which  I 
heartily  thank  God.  My  meditations  were  easy  and 
flowing ;  my  prayers  free,  and  accompanied  with  a 
degree  of  fervency.  My  sensations  reminded  me  of 
former  feelings.  God  graciously  admitted  me  into 
his  presence." 

"  For  four  or  five  weeks,  my  time  has  been  much 
taken  up  with  visiting  the  sick  and  those  under  con- 
cern of  mind.  I  feel,  in  consequence,  a  little  encour- 
aged and  animated  by  seeing  that  some  are  concerned 
for  their  souls."  The  revival  seems  to  advance ; 
and  called  to  visit  his  parents,  and  especially  his 
mother,  long  in  declining  health,  he  prays  that  his 
absence  might  not  impede  the  revival ;  and  in  the 
bosom  of  a  home,  where  he  loved  and  was  beloved, 
his  heart  is  full  of  love,  and  he  exerts  himself 
earnestly  for  their  spiritual  welfare ;  and  with  a  heart 
unchilled,  he  returns  to  his  flock,  still  burning  with 
strong  desires  to  see  the  work  of  his  Master  quick- 
ened and  revived. 

"  My  soul  has  had  a  struggle  with  pride  and  envy. 
It  is  hard  to  fight  with  one's  self.  But  it  must  be 
done.  Oh !  for  grace  to  fight  with  my  corruptions 
and  overcome  them." 

June  5.  "  This  day  I  laboured  with  my  heart  that  I 
might  mourn  on  account  of  my  declension  from  first 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  65 

love,  and  the  imperfect  manner  in  which  I  preach. 
I  trust  the  exercise  was  profitable.  This  evening 
I  feel  a  little  quickened.  O  Lord,  in  how  much 
coldness  and  formality  I  live.  Quicken  me,  I  be- 
seech thee.  Grant  me  thy  Holy  Spirit,  my  God. 
Oh !  enable  me  to  return  to  my  first  love,  that  I  may 
glorify  thee  in  all  things.  Oh !  for  the  spirit  of  my 
station — for  a  growing  tenderness  and  compassion 
for  the  souls  of  men.  Oh!  my  hard  heart.  My 
God  have  mercy  on  me,  for  Christ's  sake. 

June  27.  "This  week  my  exercises  have  been 
somewhat  more  comfortable.  On  Wednesday  I 
preached  in  the  Bettering  House,  (Almshouse  of  the 
county,)  and  during  the  discourse  I  felt  much  en- 
larged, so  that  I  affectionately,  and  by  various  argu- 
ments, urged  the  poor  sinners  to  come  to  Christ 
for  salvation.  In  urging  them  to  this  interesting 
duty  I  felt  unwilling  to  cease.  Sometime  this  week 
my  soul  felt  pleased  with  meditating  on  the  truth 
that  my  all  is  in  God's  hands.  I  thought  it  better 
there  than  anywhere  else,  and  I  wish  to  feel  more 
completely  resigned  to  his  sovereign  will. 

July  4.  ^'This  week  I  have  been  employed  in 
visiting  sick  persons.  Two  in  particular  have  been 
objects  of  my  attention.  They  are  very  different  in 
their  exercises,  the  one  careless  and  secure,  the 
other  thoughtful  and  greatly  concerned.  The  one 
is  but  a  little  roused,  though  he  seems  to  stand  on 
the  very  borders  of  eternity.  The  other,  after 
passing  through  great  distress,  has  happily  obtained 
comfort  and  joy.  Her  exercises  seem  to  be  really 
6 


66  LIFE  OF  DB.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

evangelical.  She  fears  not  death,  believing  that 
Jesus  will  give  her  the  victory.  In  visiting  the 
sick  I  have  found  comfort."  He  was  then  as 
ever  through  life  welcomed  to  the  chamber  of 
sorrow.  Much  like  the  beloved  Apostle,  in  the  fea- 
tures of  his  spiritual  nature,  he  was  ever  a  son  of 
consolation  in  the  homes  of  the  sick  and  suffering. 
The  benevolence  of  his  Master  was  in  a  measure  re- 
produced, and  during  his  long  ministry,  he  won  his 
way  to  the  hearts  of  his.  people,  by  his  kind  readi- 
ness to  carry  the  words  of  Christian  sympathy  to 
those  who  needed.  He  mentions  in  his  journal  oft 
times,  his  attention  to  this  duty — never  as  a  burden 
or  a  task,  but  as  a  privilege  to  which  his  Divine 
Master  admitted  him.  And,  after  his  assiduous  at- 
tentions, and  his  faithful  rebukes  were  blessed,  and 
he  had  the  joy  of  seeing  those  depart  in  the  hopes  of 
the  gospel,  who  at  first  were  careless  and  indifferent, 
^'I  bless  thee,"  he  writes,  '^for  thy  undeserved 
favours.  Make  me  grateful.  Let  me  never  forget 
these  mercies." 

Again  in  this  year  the  dreaded  pestilence  threat- 
ened the  city.  He  prays  that  he  may  be  ready  for 
death  whenever  it  may  come.  "I  have  had  a  de- 
sire to  depart.  But  I  have  lately  thought  that  my 
desire  might  not  be  altogether  right.  Perhaps 
there  is  too  much  regard  for  self."  At  last  the  ap- 
prehension was  realized  —  the  fever  became  epi- 
demic. His  mind  was  perplexed  as  to  dutj.  Hav- 
ing no  fear  himself,  he  wished  not  to  forsake  the 
poor  of  the  flock  in  this  hour  of  extremity.     Friends 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  67 

in  whose  advice  lie  liad  confidence,  and  the  conduct 
of  his  venerable  colleague  decided  him,  and  he 
found  a  sojourn  in  the  country  residence  of  his 
valued  friend,  Kobert  Kalston.  The  session  closed 
the  church  from  prudential  considerations,  and  the 
opportunity  for  preaching  was  prevented. 

November  7.  ^' After  absence  for  a  considerable 
time,  it  has  pleased  God  to  return  me  to  my  abode 
in  the  city.  I  bless  him  for  the  mildness  of  his 
correction,  and  for  restoring  health.  Oh,  that  the 
late  dispensation  may  be  sanctified  to  my  soul  and 
to  my  fellow-citizens !  Would  to  God  that  we  could 
humble  ourselves  under  his  mighty  hand,  that  we 
may  be  exalted  in  due  time !  When  I  left  the  city, 
I  trust  it  was  not  through  fear,  but  from  a  sense  of 
duty.  Had  it  been  my  duty,  I  think  I  could  have 
remained,  trusting  in  the  Lord — not  that  I  suppose  I 
should  escape  the  fever,  but  I  mean  I  could  have 
committed  myself  to  God,  and  calmly  waited  the 
issue.  It  has  pleased  him  to  give  me  a  share  of 
natural  fortitude,  and,  if  I  mistake  not,  religion  has 
improved  it." 

November  28.  '^How  changeable  are  my  fancies! 
On  the  first  days  of  this  week  I  enjoyed  comfortable 
exercises ;  but  now  I  can  hardlv  recollect  them. 
This  I  remember,  that  they  afforded  me  encourage- 
ment to  believe  that  it  was  good  for  me  to  have  gone 
to  the  Lord's  table,  and  that  the  Holy  Ghost  was 
operating  in  my  heart.  I  fear  that,  in  the  prosecu- 
tion of  my  studies  this  week,  I  have  been  too  impa- 
tient.   Against  this  I  struggled.    Good  Lord,  deliver 


68  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

me  from  it !  Pride,  too,  has  injured  me.  Oh,  how 
hard  to  resist !  how  difficult  to  bring  ourselves  to 
make  proper  efforts  to  overcome  it.  May  a  gracious 
God  free  me  from  pride !  I  am  persuaded  that  it 
prevents  spiritual  comfort  and  enlargement." 

December  1.  ''This  day  I  spent  in  fasting  and 
prayer  for  the  revival  of  religion  in  my  own  soul 
and  in  my  congregation.  I  have  indeed  reason  to 
be  ashamed  that  I  am  so  backward  in  performing 
such  a  duty,  and  that  last  evening  I  did  not  take 
more  time  for  preparation.  First,  I  sought  proper 
views  of  the  duty  that  I  might  do  it  in  faith ;  then  I 
thought  of  my  backsliding,  and  endeavoured  to 
humble  myself  on  account  of  it ;  then  thought  of  the 
necessity  of  a  revival,  and  prayed  for  it ;  then  con- 
sidered the  means  for  obtaining  it,  and  prayed  to  be 
able  to  use  them  aright  and  effectually ;  then  reflected 
on  the  encouragements  to  hope  for  the  blessings 
sought,  and  pleaded  the  various  encouragements 
before  my  covenant  God,  after  which  I  renewed  my 
covenant  with  him,  and  prayed  to  be  found  faithful, 
and  finally  asked  for  pardon  of  my  imperfections  in 
performing  the  duty.  The  whole  was  mingled  with 
reading  the  word  of  God  and  sacred  hymns.  I 
thank  God  for  inclining  my  heart  to  this  duty,  and 
look  to  him  for  the  fulfilment  of  my  desire." 

December  5.  "  I  have  finished  Marshall  on  Sanc- 
tification,  and  I  trust  it  has  been  edifying  to  my 
soul.  I  perceive  more  the  necessity  of  faith  in  the 
Son  of  God  to  be  able  to  live  a  Christian  life." 

Amid  the  imperfections  of  Christian  men,  divisions 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  69 

occur,  even  in  the  body  of  Christ.  The  congregation 
he  served  was  only  partly  sanctified.  Men  aspired 
to  occupy  chief  seats,  and  coveted  distinctions. 
"■  The  aspect  of  affairs  toward  the  close  of  last  week, 
in  our  congregation,  began  to  appear  threatening. 
But  unexpectedly  the  threatening  cloud  blew  over, 
and  we  gave  thanks  to  the  great  Head  of  the  Church 
for  his  seasonable  interposition  in  frustrating  the 
designs  of  evil  men.  Blessed  be  God  for  giving  me 
confidence  in  his  care  and  goodness  during  the  trial, 
and  granting  such  a  favourable  issue  in  his  pro- 
vidence !  I  thank  him  for  the  agreeable  addition 
made  to  our  session.  May  he  replenish  the  old  and 
new  members  with  heavenly  wisdom,  and  enable 
them  to  rule  well,  and  preserve  the  unity,  peace,  and 
purity  of  his  church!" 

Alas,  that  we  must  record  such  statements !  Alas, 
that,  in  the  choice  of  ruling  elders,  unseemly  conten- 
tions arise !  They  are  written  here  as  exhibiting  the 
character  of  Dr.  Jane  way  amid  the  vexatious  trials 
through  which  he  passed,  and  the  firmness  with  which 
in  all  he  clung  to  the  providence  of  God.  The 
newly  chosen  elders  maintained  the  eminency  of 
that  session,  and  were  cherished  friends  of  both  the 
pastors. 

"  I  feel  a  confidence,"  he  writes,  amid  these  agita- 
tions, ''that,  if  I  do  my  duty,  God  will  take  care  of 
my  character,  and  hence  I  feel  less  concern  about 
the  censures  of  any  of  my  people.  My  prayer  is, 
that  I  may  bear  all  censures  and  reproaches  cheer- 
fully and  patiently  for  the  elect's  sake,  that  they  may 
6* 


70  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

obtain  salvation  witTi  eternal  glory.  I  feel  willing  to 
leave  this  congregation,  if  God  should  so  order  it, 
wlien  lie  pleases.  While  I  remain,  I  desire  to  be 
found  faithful,  and  to  love  the  souls  of  men.  Oh,  to 
be  honoured,  as  an  instrument  in  his  hands,  for 
turning  sinners  from  the  error  of  their  ways  to  the 
wisdom  and  ways  of  the  just!  The  Lord  make  me 
indifferent  to  the  applause  of  men,  and  more 
disinterested  in  my  benevolence !" 

"It  is  my  earnest  prayer,  I  trust,  to  have  the 
spirit  of  my  station  and  bowels  of  compassion  to 
perishing  sinners.  I  wish  to  have  my  heart  melting 
within  me  while  preaching,  and  to  manifest  my  affec- 
tion by  my  tears.  Blessed  be  God,  we  still  have 
some  persons  under  exercise !  May  the  cloud,  which 
resembles  a  man's  hand,  spread  and  spread  over  the 
face  of  the  sky,  that  the  thirsty  earth  may  be  abun- 
dantly refreshed  I" 

January  2,  1803.  "This  year  I  have  consecrated 
to  God ;  my  motto  is,  *  The  Lord  is  at  hand.'  May 
God  enable  me  to  remember  it,  and  act  under  its 
influences !  The  issue  of  this  year  I  would  leave  in 
the  hands  of  God.  I  perceive  more  of  the  horrible 
depravity  of  my  heart.  What  reason  have  I  to  be 
ashamed  before  God !  I  felt  envy  working  shame- 
fully in  my  soul.  But  by  Divine  grace  I  struggled 
against  it ;  I  loathed  myself  on  account  of  it,  and  by 
meditation  and  prayer  endeavoured  to  get  the  victory. 
I  thank  God  for  any  success.  On  hearing  of  the  great 
zeal  of  a  young  brother  clergyman,  my  soul  felt 
ashamed  of  my  inactivity  and  want  of  zeal.     I  came 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  71 

home  and  bewailed  these  things  before  God.  I  feel 
encouraged  to  hope  that,  if  it  should  please  God  to 
grant  a  revival  here;  I  shall  partake  of  it,  and  that 
though  my  labour  may  be  increased,  yet  he  will  fur- 
nish me  for  my  work. 

January  9.  "  My  prayers  in  the  last  of  the  week 
have  been  comfortable.  I  have  for  some  time  been 
praying  for  more  patience,  courage,  animation, 
pious  conversation,  and  a  revival ;  and  if  I  mistake 
not,  God  has  heard  my  supplications,  and  succeeded 
my  exertions  in  some  measure.  Pride  works  in 
me  shamefully;  I  endeavour  to  resist  it;  but  in 
spite  of  my  efforts  it  will  conflict.  I  am  persuaded 
that  it  prevents  enlargement  in  preaching  and  com- 
munion with  God.  Often  has  it  risen  like  a  sepa- 
rating wall  between  him  and  my  soul.  Frequently 
has  it  obscured  my  light.  I  therefore  pray  to  be 
delivered  from  it,  that  God  would  himible  me,  that 
he  would  empty  me,  and  then  fill  me.  Still  the 
cursed  evil  works  within  my  heart.  I  perceive 
remains  of  my  old  wicked  temper ;  I  have  resisted  it 
and  prayed  against  it.  May  God  renew  me  in  the 
temper  and  disposition  of  my  mind!  I  desire  to 
beware  of  having  my  temper  embittered  against  any 
of  my  people  by  any  unkind  treatment.  Oh,  to  learn 
of  Jesus,  who  is  meek  and  lowly  of  heart,  that  I  may 
find  rest  to  my  soul !  Were  the  censures  which  some 
throw  out  to  have  only  a  personal  effect,  I  think  with 
Divine  assistance  I  could  easily  bear,  and  with  little 
dif&culty  disregard  them.  But  what  grieves  me  is, 
that  they  form  prejudices  in  the  minds  of  some,  so 


72  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

as  to  prevent  their  edification.  This  affects  my 
heart.  However,  I  comfort  myself  with  reflecting 
that  God  will  accomplish  his  own  purpose,  and  that, 
if  I  be  faithful,  he  will  bless  my  labours.  I  pray  to 
be  able  to  bear  any  reproaches,  any  censures,  any 
hardships,  that  the  elect  may  obtain  salvation,  with 
eternal  glory.  I  pray  for  a  spirit  of  meekness  and 
courage." 

A  member  of  his  church  leaves  him  a  legacy.  It 
reaches  his  sensitive  heart,  and  he  doubts  whether 
he  should  receive  it.  He  lays  it  before  God,  and 
then  gives  it  to  the  poor.  ''  How  good  is  God !  He 
gives  me  the  means  for  charitable  deeds,  and  he  gives 
me  a  heart  to  perform  them ;  and  then  he  gives  me 
a  gracious  reward." 

Years  after,  an  aged  female,  alone  in  the  world, 
and  with  no  near  relatives,  left  him  a  considerable 
amount.  It  is  believed  he  gave  all  in  charity,  so 
anxious  was  he  that  no  appearance  of  sordidness 
should  hinder  his  usefulness. 

Anxious  to  be  useful,  he  hails  any  communication 
which  brings  the  evidence  of  success,  with  childlike 
simplicity  and  unfeigned  meekness,  and  he  makes  the 
record  in  his  journal;  and  in  any  other  man  the 
record  might  savour  of  vanity.  With  him,  it  was 
the  yearnings  of  an  anxious  heart,  which  wished  to 
make  full  proof  of  his  ministry,  and  accomplish  its 
great  design.  It  is  to  him  the  joy  of  harvest ;  and 
he  rejoices  that,  though  he  may  not  know  all,  God 
knows  it,  and  will,  in  the  last  day,  give  him  an  ample 
and  gracious  reward. 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  73 

He  records  tliat  a  severe  cold  prevented  him  from 
taking^  his  share  in  an  evenino;  service — ''  the  first 

o  o 

instance  since  my  settlement  in  which  I  have  been 
prevented  from  performing  any  public  duty  by  indis- 
position—so much  health  have  I  enjoyed,  far  beyond 
my  expectations  when  I  accepted  my  call  to  this 
city.     Blessed  be  God  I" 

February  27.  ''  This  day  I  partook  of  the  Holy 
Supper  of  our  Lord.  Though  I  had  not  those  lively 
views  and  delectable  feelings  which  are  so  desirable, 
and  for  which  I  prayed  much,  yet  I  enjoyed  a  free- 
dom to  meditate  and  pray.  I  gave  myself  away,  I 
trust,  in  the  exercise  of  faith,  to  Christ  and  God,  and 
took  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  to  be  my  God ; 
the  bread  received  as  the  body  of  Christ  broken  for 
me,  and  the  wine  as  the  blood  of  Christ  shed  for  me. 
I  prayed  for  sanctification  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  for 
humility,  courage,  faith,  love,  revival  of  religion  in 
my  soul.  0  God,  my  portion,  make  me  faithful  to 
my  covenant,  and  cause  me  to  rest  satisfied  in  thee ! 
Oh,  may  I  cleave  to  God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost !     Amen." 

He  was  destined  to  feel  that  the  servants  of  the 
Master  should  be  exposed  to  captious  criticism  and 
unjust  fault-finding ;  and  in  that  large  congregation 
were  men  of  perverse  minds — good  men,  perchance, 
but  misguided.  "What  a  pity  that  there  should 
be  any  Christians  so  captious !  I  pity  them — I  for- 
give them~I  pray  for  them."  Such  are  his  feelings 
when  one  of  his  sermons  had  been  the  subject  of 
misrepresentation   and  captious   criticism.     At  this 


74  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

late  period,  it  is  impossible  to  know  tlie  grounds  of 
difficulties  in  the  congregation — nor  is  it  needful. 
The  actors  have  all  passed  to  their  accounts,  the 
misconceptions  of  life  have  been  corrected,  and  the 
meek  and  quiet  spirit  has  been  vindicated.  "  It  must 
needs  be  that  offences  come."  The  brotherhood  of  the 
saints  has  often  been  broken ;  and  though  that  con- 
gregation was  as  eminent  in  the  Christian  graces  as 
any  other,  there  were  imperfect  men  who  composed 
it,  and  others  struggling  for  pre-eminence  and 
shining  seats  in  the  house  of  God.  There  is  not  a 
word  of  unkindness  in  his  journal  towards  any  such, 
at  any  time  in  his  ministry.  Whatever  may  have 
been  the  natural  impetuosity  of  his  temper,  it  was 
so  subdued  by  grace,  that  it  is  doubtful  if  he  was 
ever  seen  in  anger  and  free  from  his  habitual  con- 
trol. Being  reviled,  he  reviled  not  again.  To 
do  him  an  injury  was  to  obtain  an  interest  in  his 
prayers. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Church  Extension — Multiplied  Labours — His  Marriage  and  the 
Death  of  his  Mother. 

At  this  period,  the  eyes  of  the  church  he  served 
were  turned  towards  the  desolations  in  the  ISTorthern 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  75 

Liberties,  liere  called  Campington,  because  in  revolu- 
tionary times,  tlie  British  army  had  encamped 
there,  a  suburb  of  the  city,  the  population  of  which 
was  increasing,  and  as  it  lay  north  of  the  Arch  Street 
Church,  it  was  considered  as  their  peculiar  domain 
and  field  of  culture.  It  was  to  be  an  outlaying  post  for 
that  church,  and  when  able  to  sustain  the  gospel,  it 
was  to  be  separate.  But  the  connection  continued  for 
ten  or  twelve  years,  and  it  was  served  by  the  colleague 
pastors  of  the  Second  Church.  Even  then,  there  were 
some  who  fancied  the  time  was  not  yet,  and  the 
senior  and  junior  pastors  needed  all  prudence,  to 
inaugurate  the  enterprise,  and  enlist  the  energies  of 
the  people. 

April  10.  "  Last  night  the  session  met  at  my  lodg- 
ings to  consider  a  communication  from  the  corporation 
respecting  the  erection  of  a  church  at  Campington. 
It  was  unanimously  agreed  to  propose  it  to  the 
congregation.  I  bless  God  for  bringing  the  matter 
thus  far !  May  the  great  head  of  the  church  dispose 
the  congregation  to  concur  with  unanimity,  and  to 
contribute  with  liberality."  Anxious  as  he  was  about 
a  matter  so  important,  he  was  jealous  lest  his  work 
of  preparation  should  be  hindered  thereby. 

April  17.  "I bless  God  that  my  prayer  has  in  part 
been  answered.  The  congregation  have  determined 
on  building  the  church.  Oh !  for  a  spirit  of  liberali- 
ty. Oh !  for  success !  To  thee,  Jesus,  great  head  of  the 
church,  we  look.  Oh!  prosper  our  endeavours.  I 
have  reason  to  acknowledge  God's  gracious  kindness, 
in  affording  me   time  to  go   about    to  obtain   sub- 


76  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  Way. 

scrip tions  for  building  the  cliurcli.  "We  meet  with, 
some  opposition.  God,  I  hope,  will  defeat  the  designs, 
and  render  ineffectual  the  attempts  of  our  opposers. 

The  church,  large  and  commodious,  and  in  full 
keeping  with  the  times,  was  finished  by  the  con- 
gregation worshipping  in  Arch  Street.  It  was 
opened  in  1805,  with  a  sermon  by  Dr.  Green,  which 
was  afterwards  published.  It  increased  the  labour 
of  the  pastors  by  one-half,  and  gave  them  two 
churches  to  serve  instead  of  one.  But  the  field  was 
inviting,  and  the  harvest  promising.  It  was  on  the 
congregation  in  the  new  church,  that  Dr.  Janeway 
had  his  strong  hold.  His  activity  and  zeal  carried 
him  to  their  homes,  and  when  in  after  years,  the 
church  was  advised  to  call  a  minister,  and  exist  in 
separate  organization,  the  ties  were  strong,  which 
were  sundered,  and  his  memory  was  cherished 
during  the  lives  of  that  people. 

June  5.  ''Alas,  I  feel  so  little  of  the  power  of  reli- 
gion, when  I  compare  myself  with  some  of  my 
brethren,  who  have  been  at  the  General  Assembly, 
I  blush  and  am  ashamed  at  my  coldness  and  insen- 
sibility, and  want  of  zeal.  Their  souls  seem  to  be 
on  fire;  but  oh,  my  Spirit  is  languid  and  stupid. 
Gracious  God,  wilt  thou  not  revive  me  ?  Oh !  quick- 
en me  by  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Oh !  how  depraved  I  am ! 
I  see  more  and  more  of  the  dreadful  pollution  of 
my  soul.  I  feel  disposed,  to  call  myself  the  chief 
of  sinners.  How  rich  that  blood  which  takes  away 
such  guilt !  How  unbounded  that  mercy  which 
saves  such  a  wretch !     A  young  brother  in  Christ 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAV.  77 

has  been  preaching  to  very  great  acceptance.  He 
rises  far  above  me.  I  am  trying  sincerely  to  use  the 
words  of  John,  ^he  must  increase,  but  I  must  de- 
crease.' I  desire  and  pray  to  God  to  be  enabled  most 
cordially  to  rejoice  in  his  prosperity  !  0  my  God! 
shall  my  eye  be  evil,  because  thou  art  good  ?  Shall  I 
not  be  glad  and  praise  thee,  because  thou  hast  raised 
such  a  bulwark  against  the  enemy  ?" 

Anxious  to  prove  himself  a  watchman  not  to  be 
ashamed,  he  was  led  to  preach  on  the  eternity  of 
future  punishment,  and  hearing  that  it  had  given 
offence,  he  falls  back  on  the  consciousness  of  honesty 
of  purpose,  and  prays  God  to  guide  his  mind  in  the 
selection  of  subjects,  to  enable  him  to  declare  faith- 
fully the  whole  counsel  of  God,  and  to  deliver  him 
from  the  fear  of  man. 

A  journey  to  the  home  of  his  parents  fills  him 
with  gratitude  to  God.  He  saw  his  hand  in  every- 
thing, and  he  comes  back  full  of  thankfulness  for  all 
the  mercies  he  had  experienced.  His  mother  yet  lived, 
and  though  for  years  he  had  ceased  to  pray  for  her 
life,  knowing  that  her  disease  was  incurable,  and  that 
his  loss  would  be  her  everlasting  gain,  his  gratitude 
begets  thoughts  of  mercies  to  others.  "  Benevolent 
thoughts  and  purposes  have  arisen  in  my  mind, 
which  have  refreshed  my  heart.  Oh !  for  charity  out 
of  a  pure  heart,  and  a  good  conscience  and  faith  un- 
feigned. Oh !  to  give,  not  to  be  seen  of  men,  but  to 
glorify  God." 

July  10.  The  old  uneasiness  in  his  breast  returned, 
owing  to  increased  labour.  He  has  fears,  lest,  after 
7 


78  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

being  sustained  thus  far,  his  feebleness  might  incapa- 
citate him  for  his  work.  At  this  juncture  it  was 
proposed  to  open  the  Arch  Street  Church  at  night 
for  evening  exercises.  He  objects  on  the  ground 
that  he  would  not  be  able  to  preach  three  times  a 
day,  and  prays  God  to  witness  his  sincerity,  and  give 
him  wisdom  to  decide  and  to  act.  Ever  decided  in 
his  views  as  a  man,  he  was  a  mere  child  toward  God, 
and  lay  at  his  feet  imploring  his  approving  smile 
and  directing  grace. 

Reading  Baxter's  Reformed  Pastor,  he  is  charmed 
with  his  earnest  zeal  for  the  souls  of  men,  and  blushes 
at  his  own  short  comings.  ''We  have  encourage- 
ment to  labour  among  our  people ;  but  when  L  hear 
of  the  success  of  my  colleague,  and  not  of  mine,  I 
feel  discouraged.  I  know  that  God  is  sovereign,  and 
has  a  right  to  honour  whom  he  will.  I  rejoice  in 
my  colleague's  success,  and  would  submit  to  God's 
pleasure  concerning  me.  I  desire  no  favour,  still  I 
would  look  to  God,  and  hope  for  His  blessing. 
Gracious  Lord,  let  me  not  despond — afford  me  en- 
couragement— Thy  will  be  done.  I  thank  thee,  that 
my  labours  have  not  been  altogether  in  vain,  and 
that  I  have  been  made  useful  in  visiting  the  sick." 

"My  mind  seems  inclined  to  cultivate  inward  peace 
and  tranquillity,  and  to  remain  as  composed  as  may 
be  under  circumstances  calculated  to  trouble  it,  and  I 
have  reason  to  bless  God  for  the  long  continuance  of 
inward  peace  and  tranquillity  which  I  have  enjoyed. 
The  unjust  complaints  of  some  of  my  people  have 
frequently  given  me  uneasiness,  but  I  begin  to  disre- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  79 

gard  tliem  more.  The  most  painful  consideration 
is,  that  they  may  obstruct  my  useMness ;  however, 
I  think  that  I  must  go  straight  on  in  my  duty,  and 
God  will  bless  me.  He  is  able  to  conquer  my 
enemies,  and  to  accomplish  his  own  purposes.  I 
pray  for  my  enemies — my  thoughts  have  been  turned 
to  the  words  of  the  apostle :  '  For  me,  it  is  a  little 
thing  to  be  judged  of  man's  judgment.  He  that 
judgeth  me  is  the  Lord!'  I  earnestly  covet  to  feel 
these  words  in  my  inmost  soul.  I  feel  less  affected 
by  the  opinions  of  men ;  a  holy  indifference  is  really 
necessary  to  a  faithful  discharge  of  my  duty,  nay,  to 
be  faithful,  I  must  be  superior  to  the  sentiments  of 
pious  people.  The  situation  of  the  church,  its  want 
of  ministers,  has  operated  on  my  mind  more  forcibly, 
as  an  inducement  to  desire  a  continuance  of  life.  I 
have,  if  I  mistake  not,  an  habitual  willingness  to  die." 

August  28.  "  I  have  frequently  prayed  for  the  im- 
provement of  my  love  to  God,  that  I  might  love  him 
for  his  perfections.  I  think  God  has  heard  me,  and 
that  my  love  in  this  respect  is  purified.  Of  late,  I 
have  thought  considerably  of  the  Divine  glory,  and 
have  had  desires  that  I  might  glorify  Him.  Oh ! 
how  worthy  is  God  to  be  glorified !  Oh !  that  I  could 
glorify  Him  at  all  times." 

Again  the  yellow  fever  suddenly  appeared,  and 
spread  consternation  through  the  city.  He  continued 
at  his  post :  "  Feeling  composed,  I  commit  myself  into 
the  hands  of  God,  and  say.  Thy  will  be  done.  If  it 
please  him  to  continue  my  life,  I  would  accept  of  his 
kindness  with  gratitude ;  if  it  please  him  to  take  it 


80  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

away,  I  would  submit  to  his  pleasure."  The  subjects 
chosen  for  pulpit  exhibition  were  such  as  he  hoped 
might  be  blessed  amid  the  sorrows  which  prevailed. 
By  the  advice  of  physicians,  evening  meetings  were 
suspended.  He  feared  not  death,  but  loss  of  health, 
and  slow  return  to  strength.  He  hoped  that  if 
stricken,  it  might  be  in  the  pulpit  with  his  harness 
on.  "  What  may  be  my  feelings  when  death  shall 
draw  nigh,  I  know  not ;  but  I  feel  in  a  degree,  an 
habitual  willingness  to  die,  when  God  shall  deter- 
mine. Oh !  for  a  triumph  over  death  and  the  grave." 
A  call  at  this  time  for  Dr.  Green,  as  Professor 
of  Divinity  in  the  College  of  Kew  Jersey,  gave  him 
uneasiness.  A  growing  attachment  existed  between 
the  pastors,  and  in  this,  as  in  other  matters.  Dr. 
Green  treated  him  with  the  most  affectionate  confi- 
dence ;  yet  he  would  acquiesce  if  it  be  for  the  general 
interest  of  the  church.  "  Should  this  event  take  place, 
the  calling  of  a  certain  man,  for  my  colleague,  is  pro- 
bable, whose  popular  talents  would  throw  me  in  the 
shade.  But  it  is  my  duty  to  rejoice  that  God  is  rais- 
ing up  for  his  service  such  a  man,  and  to  think  it  an 
honour  that  I  am  permitted  to  hold  an  inferior 
station  in  his  church.  Say,  my  soul.  He  will  increase, 
but  I  decrease.  Oh !  to  be  clothed  with  humility  and  to 
leave  my  concernments  with  God.  His  blessed  will 
be  done.  I  feel  ashamed  of  my  vile  selfishness ;  oh, 
that  God  would  deliver  me  from  it,  and  make  me  dis- 
interestedly benevolent.  0  for  the  temper  of  Christ." 
But  he  humbles  himself  before  God,  and  finds  abun- 
dant reasons  in  his  own  heart  for  any  dispensation, 


LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  .81 

■however  severe.  To  part  with  his  colleague  would 
be  hard  indeed.  The  day  after,  he  receives  a  letter 
from  his  ^'dear  colleague,"  informing  him  both  of 
his  election  to  the  Professorship,  and  his  determina- 
tion to  decline  the  offer.  ^^This  satisfactory  infor- 
mation, coming  so  immediately  after  my  humiliation 
.and  supplications,  I  felt  disposed  to  view  as  an  answer 
to  my  prayers,  though  very  unworthy,  and  to  give 
thanks  to  God  accordingly. 

"  On  Friday  evening,  a  printed  hand-bill,  of  a  most 
scurrilous  kind,  calling  the  Presbyterian  clergy 
knaves,  &c.,  was  thrown  into  the  window.  I  read  it 
without  emotion.  On  Saturday  evening,  however,  I 
was  disposed  to  make  this  use  of  it,  to  inquire  whether 
I  was  unfaithful  in  the  ministry.  Though  I  am  sen- 
sible of  many  imperfections,  yet  my  conscience  did 
not  accuse  me  of  unfaithfulness.  I  endeavour  to  lay 
out  my  time  in  the  best  way  I  can.  The  Lord  for- 
give the  imprudent  zeal  and  rash  judging  of  that  man! 
Notwithstanding  this  abuse,  I  was  enabled  to  preach 
this  day  with  freedom  and  boldness.  Oh,  that  I 
were  more  fed  with  the  food  of  the  sanctuary,  and 
experienced  more  delight  in  preaching!  Oh,  for 
seals  to  my  ministry,  that  I  may  be  encouraged !" 

October  23.  ''I  bless  God  for  the  restoration  of 
health  to  this  city,  and  the  return  of  the  inhabitants. 
Surely  mercy  has  been  mingled  with  judgment.  Oh, 
that  we  may  improve  these  afflictive  providence?! 
Let  thy  Spirit,  O  Lord,  co-operate  with  thy  rod  for 
the  reformation  of  our  city  !  I  lament  that  I  find  so 
little  food  on  the  Sabbath.     The  Sabbath  is  indeed 


82  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

my  day  of  labour.  But  tlie  honour  of  preachiug  the 
gospel,  and  the  hope  of  doing  good,  should  refresh 
and  comfort  my  heart.  Oh,  for  more  of  the  spirit  of 
my  station !  I  perceive  more  of  my  depravity.  It 
shocks  me.  Oh,  how  corrupt  I  am!  God  have 
mercy  on  me !  I  feel  too  worldly.  Ah,  if  my  mind 
were  more  heavenly  I  should  regard  less  the 
applause  and  reproach  of  men,  and  I  should  be  more 
patient  in  hoping  for  temporal  blessings. 

November  13.  ''This  evening  I  examined  myself 
on  growth  in  grace,  and  concluded  that  I  was  grow- 
ing in  it,  because  I  see  more  of  my  depravity,  which 
produces  self-loathing ;  because  I  have  a  higher 
practical  estimation  of  the  Divine  character ;  because 
I  resist  and  gain  ground  against  pride,  vanity,  envy, 
selfishness;  because  I  desire  earnestly  to  love  God 
more ;  because  I  improve  in  inward  peace  and  tran- 
quillity, which  I  cultivate  and  desire  to  maintain 
under  all  events ;  because  I  desire  to  deny  myself  in 
any  particular,  to  undergo  any  sufferings,  and  per- 
form any  duty  to  glorify  Him ;  and  because  of  my 
growing  indifference  to  the  applause  and  censures  of 
men." 

"On  the  evening  of  a  Communion  Sabbath,"  he 
writes,  "I  enjoyed  a  pleasant  meditation  for  a  con- 
siderable time.  The  hope  of  a  Christian,  as  described 
in  my  sermon,  appeared  glorious.  My  soul  breathed 
after  God,  and  ardently  desired  to  love  him  more, 
and  seemed  to  sicken  at  the  thought  of  not  being  able 
to  love  him  more.  In  my  closing  devotions  I  prayed 
earnestly  that  God  would  take  the  heart  which  I  had 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  83 

given  him,  and  keep  it  for  himself.  This  I  was  led 
to  do  from  a  sense  of  my  own  insufficiency." 

He  was  refreshed,  amid  scenes  of  some  perplexity, 
by  the  words  of  the  Apostle,  "But  ye  beloved, 
building  up  yourselves  on  your  most  holy  faith, 
praying  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  keep  yourselves  in 
the  love  of  God,  looking  for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  unto  eternal  life."  To  him,  the  inspired 
Word  was  ever  the  man  of  his  counsel,  and  the  joy 
of  his  heart.  He  went  to  it  as  the  thirsty  goeth  to 
the  fountain  of  waters.  It  was  his  lifelong  counsel- 
lor ;  its  light  fell  always  across  his  path.  His  rever- 
ence was  profound ;  it  was  to  him  the  voice  of  God, 
the  Urim  and  Thummin  where  he  sought  direction. 
Believing,  as  he  most  earnestly  did,  that  it  was  all 
inspired  of  God,  he  felt  assured  that  all  his  doubts, 
perplexities  and  fears  would  be  met  there ;  that  his 
steps  were  not  in  the  dark ;  that  the  light  which  shone 
upon  him  was  inextinguishable.  He  sat  in  childlike 
reverence  at  the  feet  of  his  Lord.  ''  Speak  Lord,  for 
thy  servant  heareth."  His  prayer  was  heard,  and 
his  long  life  was  one  of  peace — calm,  serene,  a  com- 
posure, the  wonder  of  his  cotemporaries,  and  a  suavity 
which  made  him  welcome  to  all  classes. 

Whenever  any  important  step  was  to  be  taken,  he 
set  apart  a  day  of  prayer  and  fasting,  in  which  to 
seek  Divine  guidance ;  and  often  at  its  close  he  added 
to  his  charity  store  to  bestow  something  on  the  pious 
poor,  that,  as  he  says,  in  one  place,  "  they  may  help 
me  with  their  prayers."  His  charity  was  systematic. 
He  had   a   certain   proportion  which  was  sacredly 


84  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

devoted,  and  he  often  added  to  this  amount  as  the 
Lord  prospered  him.  It  flowed  forth  upon  the  poor, 
and  thej  blessed  him.  Any  increase  of  income  he 
hailed,  not  as  adding  to  his  enjoyment,  but  as 
increasing  his  means  of  doing  good ;  and  as  God  in 
his  providence,  in  later  life,  added  largely  to  his 
income,  he  maintained  a  simple  state  and  style  of 
living,  but  he  doubled  the  proportion  of  his  bene- 
factions. For  years,  the  fifth  of  his  income  was 
religiously  consecrated  to  the  cause  of  his  Master. 

''The  work  of  Dr.  Owen,  on  the  Holy  Spirit,  has, 
I  trust,  been  blessed  to  my  soul,  particularly  that 
part  which  treats  of  spiritual  gifts.  Last  night  I 
thought  on  them,  and  was  enabled  to  act  faith  in 
the  goodness  and  operations  of  the  Spirit.  I  felt 
persuaded  that,  if  I  sought  them  from  Him,  he  would 
impart  them.  Thus  I  reasoned:  Does  the  Holy 
Spirit  condescend  to  dwell  in  us,  to  enlighten  our 
minds,  and  to  sanctify  our  hearts  ?  Has  he  estab- 
lished an  order  of  men  for  preaching  the  gospel  and 
edifying  the  body  of  Christ  ?  and  will  he  not  impart 
to  them  those  gifts  which  are  necessary  for  a  success- 
ful discharge  of  their  duty  ?  Surely  he  will.  I  feel 
stirred  up  to  seek  them  by  prayer.  If  I  mistake  not, 
when  assisted  in  my  discourses,  my  pride  does  not 
rise,  as  it  used  to  do.  I  thank  God  for  growing 
humility." 

January  1,  1804.  "  I  thank  God  for  permitting  me 
to  see  the  beginning  of  a  new  year.  Oh !  may  this 
be  spent  in  his  service !  To  God  I  have  devoted  it. 
Oh,  for  grace  to  be  found  faithful !     Blessed  be  God 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  85 

for  inclining  our  Corporation  [the  Trustees  of  Arch 
Str,eet  Churcli]  to  grant  permission  to  go  on  with 
building  the  church  at  Campington.  It  unexpectedly 
was  given  by  a  unanimous  vote.  God,  I  trust,  is 
smiling  on  the  undertaking.  Dr.  Green  informed  me 
that  I  have  been  rapidly,  within  the  last  year,  grow- 
ing in  the  affections  of  my  people.  I  bless  God  for 
his  goodness.  I  have  prayed  for  it,  and  that  I  might 
know  that  I  had  them.  God  has  heard  my  prayer. 
I  bless  his  name." 

Sabbath,  February  26.  "  My  wUl  seems  bent  for 
God.  A  disposition  to  perform  my  duty,  and  to  be 
wholly  devoted  to  God,  is,  if  I  mistake  not,  increasing. 
I  wish  and  pray  to  love  Christ  more — live  more  by 
faith  upon  him.  I  prefer  that  happiness  which  arises 
from  doing  his  will.  I  feel  a  degree  of  indifference 
to  that  happiness  which  seems  unconnected  with  duty 
or  doing.  Mere  pleasure  my  soul  seems  not  to  relish. 
I  wish  to  be  placed  in  those  circumstances  in  which 
I  may  do  most  good." 

In  April,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  G.  Leiper, 
daughter  of  Thomas  Leiper,  Esq.,  a  respectable  and 
wealthy  merchant  of  Philadelphia.  Her  mother,  one 
of  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  was  a  member  of  his 
church,  and  all  the  family  were  attendants  on  his 
ministry.  On  the  day  appointed  for  his  marriage,  a 
letter  was  handed  him,  giving  the  sad  but  not  unex- 
pected tidings  of  the  death  of  his  mother.  A  week 
or  two  before,  he  had  been  summoned  to  New  York 
to  see  her  die.  But  she  revived,  and  he  left  her  with 
a  charge  that  he  should  hasten  his  marriage  and  return 


86  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

to  her.  Now  he  hears  of  her  departure.  Dear  and 
precious  she  was  to  him.  '^  The  death  of  my  mother 
is  an  event  for  which  I  was  long  looking,  and  there- 
fore not  so  afflicting  as  if  it  had  been  sudden  and 
unexpected.  For  several  years  past,  I  had  resigned 
her  unreservedly  into  the  hands  of  God,  that  he 
might  take  her  to  himself  just  when  he  pleased.  Oh, 
what  reason  for  gratitude  for  a  mother  so  kind,  indul- 
gent, and  faithful!  What  reason  for  gratitude  that 
her  departure  was  easy ;  that  she  had  a  comfortable 
hope  in  her  death  !  For  this  I  prayed.  Though  the 
death  of  my  mother  may  very  materially  affect  me  in 
point  of  property,  yet  I  rejoice  in  her  admission  into 
heaven.  Nature  wept,  but  grace  submitted.  May 
God  accept  my  thanks  for  such  an  invaluable  mother ! 
May  he  sanctify  my  loss,  and  prepare  me  to  follow 
her!" 

More  than  forty-seven  years  after,  he  had  occasion 
to  copy  the  record  above,  and  he  mentions  that  he 
did  it  amid  many  tears  of  affectionate  remembrance. 

The  loss  of  such  a  mother,  and  at  such  a  time, 
filled  him  with  overwhelming  perplexity.  His  most 
natural  impulse  was  to  start  immediately  to  the  dark- 
ened house  of  his  father.  The  counsels  of  Dr.  Green 
and  some  brethren  prevailed ;  and  with  the  consent 
of  the  family,  the  marriage  was  privately  celebrated, 
and  Dr.  Janeway  and  his  wife  went  by  express,  to  be 
present  at  the  funeral  of  his  sainted  mother. 

Dr.  Janeway's  record  shows  that  in  every  step  in 
this  changing  of  his  mode  of  life,  he  was  ^s  deliberate 
and  as  prayerful  as  in  everything  else.     He  debated 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  87 

with  himself  long  and  anxiously  whether  he  should 
marry  or  not ;  he  implored  Divine  guidance ;  he 
inquired  whether  it  would  hinder  his  usefulness. 
Days  of  fasting  accompany  every  step  ;  and  when  the 
engagement  took  place,  he  prays  that  the  cup  might 
be  dashed  even  then  from  his  lips,  if  it  should  cause 
him  to  love  God  and  his  work  less.  The  eyes  of  his 
children  only  have  seen  the  record,  now  made  sacred 
by  his  death.  Whatever  sense  they  had  before  of 
his  conscientiousness  has  been  greatly  increased. 

Nor  were  his  prayers  unanswered.  He  sought  a 
wife,  as  a  covenant  blessing,  to  help  him  on  to 
heaven.  With  unusual  personal  attractions,  and 
connected  with  an  extensive  and  fashionable  society, 
she  was  through  life  his  cherished  counsellor,  and  a 
''help  meet  for  him"  truly.  The  entire  care  of  the 
household  was  lifted  from  his  shoulders,  and  his  work 
in  the  ministry  not  hindered.  Modest  and  reserved  by 
nature,  she  escaped  all  entanglements  in  the  large 
congregation  over  which  her  husband  presided.  The 
care  and  nurture  of  her  children  she  conceived  to  be 
her  great  mission.  To  this  she  gave  an  anxious  life, 
and  ''  her  children  now  rise  up  and  call  her  blessed." 
To  them  she  was  everything;  she  formed  them — 
their  salvation,  was  the  abiding  desire  of  her  soul.  An 
affectionate  friend  to  her  husband,  he  could  safely 
trust  her.  The  perplexities  of  his  ministry  he  could 
lodge  in  her  bosom  without  fear  of  her  prudence. 
The  wearying  nature  of  his  work  was  relieved  by 
the  solace  and  sympathy  of  his  home.  God  did 
greatly  bless  him  in  his  selection,  and  his  servant 


88  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

was  spared  the  sad  experience  wliich  has  so  often 
embittered  the  lives  and  hindered  the  -usefulness  of 
so  many  ministers.  He  girded  up  his  loins  for  his 
work,  and  went  forth  to  labour  for  the  Master  who 
had  been  so  kind  in  his  gifts.  *'My  soul  feels 
desirous  to  glorify  God,  and  to  spend  all  my  time 
and  talents  in  his  service.  All,  all,  0  my  God,  is 
thine !  Let  all  be  used  for  thy  glory,  is  the  language 
of  my  heart.  I  pray  God  to  accept  my  thanks  for 
what  he  has  given  me,  and  to  enable  me  to  rejoice  in 
my  portion  1  Will  God  teach  and  incline  me  to 
regard  and  perform  every  duty  incumbent  on  me! 
May  I  be  faithful  and  exemplary  in  all  the  relations 
of  life  !  I  love  my  work,  and  feel  willing  to  give  up 
anything  to  continue  it,  and  desire  earnestly  to 
improve  every  hour  of  my  time.  My  soul  was  a 
little  gloomy  and  unhappy  lest  my  usefulness  should 
be  impaired.  But  my  hope  is  revived,  and  my 
prospect  comfortable.  I  bless  God  for  all  his  unde- 
served favours  to  me.  Make  me  thankful,  O  Lord ! 
I  am  too  apt  to  forget  his  mercies  and  to  neglect 
thanksgiving.  When  I  feel  unhappy  from  any 
cross,  then  I  recollect  his  past  favours,  and  feel 
thankful.  At  such  times  I  recall  my  sins,  and  feel 
humbled." 

July  15.  "  My  great  desire  is  to  fulfil  the  work  of 
my  ministry,  which  I  have  received  of  Christ.  Hap- 
piness is  but  a  subordinate  object.  It  appears  to  me, 
that  mere  personal  happiness,  unconnected  with 
usefulness,  though  matter  of  thankfulness,  should 
not  satisfy  a  Christian  minister.     Having  sufficient 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  89 

comfort  to  carry  pn  my  work,  I  wonld  wait  for 
greater  happiness,  when  I  shall  have  completed  my 
work.  But  I  know  that  the  more  diligent  and  faithful 
I  am,  the  more  happy  I  shall  be — so  gracious  is  God 
in  giving  to  his  servants  a  present  reward.  For  this 
spirit  I  would  thank  God.  It  is  his  gift.  Oh !  that  I 
may  have  more  of  it,  and  that  God  would  give  me 
grace  to  do  his  blessed  will  which  I  love,  with  great 
faithfulness  and  diligence." 

His  hopes  of  a  revival  were  not  realized.  Few 
were  added  to  the  church.  He  weeps  over  it,  and 
pleads  with  God,  not  to  disappoint  his  people.  But 
he  will  plead  on.  The  sovereign  pleasure  of  God  was 
to  him  a  solemn  and  awful  truth.  He  could  lie  at 
his  feet  in  uncomplaining  submission.  He  will  not 
slacken  his  efforts,  nor  intermit  his  labours.  The 
sudden  death  of  Dr.  Linn,  pastor  of  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church,  occurred  just  then,  in  the  bloom  of 
his  youth,  and  the  full  tide  of  his  popularity. 

September  2.  ''An  unexpected  stroke  has  re- 
moved a  brother  from  this  world.  God  has  been 
pleased  to  remove  the  Kev.  Dr.  Linn,  by  the  burst- 
ing of  a  blood-vessel.  This  is  a  loud  call  to  me  and 
my  brethren,  to  hasten  our  work ;  for  we  know  not 
the  day,  nor  the  hour,  in  which  the  Son  of  man,  our 
glorious  Judge,  shall  come.  May  God  sanctify  the 
visitation  of  Providence  to  us,  and  make  us  more 
diligent  in  discharging  the  duties  of  our  important 
station !  What,  oh  my  soul !  if  God  should  call  thee 
away  in  a  manner  so  sudden !  Wouldst  thou  be 
ready  ?  I  trust  I  should.  If  I  deceive  not  my- 
8 


90  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

self,  by  tlie  grace  of  God,  I  am  prepared  for  my 
departure,  inasmuch  as  I  am  united  to  Christ,  and 
justified  freely  by  his  righteousness." 

An  English  clergyman,  of  great  popular  talents, 
appeared  at  this  time,  and  threw  less  favoured 
preachers  in  the  shade.  Human  nature  is  impatient 
under  successful  rivalry,  and  Dr.  Janeway  records  his 
struggles  for  a  victory  over  the  workings  of  corrupt 
passions,  and  a  desire  to  rejoice  in  any  success  which 
he  might  have,  ''  and  if  religion  should  require  me  to 
give  up  my  station  to  him,  I  think,  by  divine  assis- 
tance, I  could  do  it."  The  success  of  this  new 
preacher,  in  drawing  crowds,  for  a  while  unsettled 
matters  in  the  churches.  Certain  men  were  carried 
away  by  him,  and  the  importance  of  securing  him 
in  the  city,  urged  some  of  his  admirers  beyond  the 
limits  of  Christian  prudence.  At  last,  a  church  of 
the  Independent  class  was  organized.  Many  were 
bewitched  by  his  eloquence.  A  large  and  stately 
edifice  was  erected.  A  new  denomination  was  intro- 
duced amid  existing  harmony.  "Alas !  the  cause  of 
religion,  I  fear  will  be  dishonoured.  Oh  1  my  God, 
enlighten  my  mind,  that  I  may  see  the  path  of  duty, 
and  have  grace  to  walk  in  it.  Preserve  me  from  the 
influence  of  every  evil  passion,  and  let  my  eye  be 
single  to  the  glory  of  God.  Overrule  this  for  good, 
and  let  the  cause  of  Christ  be  advanced  by  this 
event.  Let  me  say  evil  of  no  man.  Build  up  our 
church,  and  pluck  it  not  down,  for  Christ's  sake — 
Amen."  Alas !  not  long  after,  this  preacher  fell  into 
scandalous  sin — dishonouring   religion    and  disgra- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  91 

cing  his  church.  Dr.  Janeway's  course  was  the 
more  difficult,  and  required  more  prudence,  as  he  had 
received  about  the  period  of  this  man's  advent,  inti- 
mations from  a  reliable  correspondent  in  England,  de- 
signed to  put  him  on  his  guard,  and  prevent  him 
from  yielding  too  much  confidence  to  this  stranger. 
Reserve  on  his  part  would  probably  be  attributed  to 
jealousy,  and  he  felt  his  task  was  arduous,  and  his 
path  embarrassed ;  but  even  then,  the  singular  pru- 
dence, for  which  through  life  he  was  remarked,  guided 
his  ways,  and  retained  for  him  the  confidence  of  his 
flock. 

Though  his  expenses  had  increased  on  the  event 
of  his  marriage,  and  the  expectation  of  an  increase  of 
salary,  rightly  indulged,  was  not  realized,  yet  would 
he  abate  nothing  in  the  part  he  had  been  accustomed 
to  give  to  the  poor.  He  trusted  in  God,  and  he  was  not 
confounded.  His  father  increased  his  allowance,  and 
the  people  added  to  his  revenue.  ''I  record,  in 
honour  of  this  singular  kindness  of  God,  to  me, 
that  I  expect  to  be  able  to  give  more  this  year  to 
the  poor  than  at  any  former  one,  though  I  have  now 
a  family  to'  maintain — blessed  be  God." 

Imagining  that  some  of  his  flock  had  prejudices 
against  him,  he  meekly  called  upon  them,  and  in  a 
kind  and  Christian  way  sought  to  remove  them.  His 
object  was  to  give  no  offence,  that  the  ministry  be  not 
blamed ;  and  he  mentions  that  an  eminent  saint 
seemed  to  have  like  prejudices,  and  he  avows  his  de- 
termination to  meet  them  kindly,  and  in  the  love  of 
Christ.  Many  were  the  years,  in  which  this  good  man, 


92  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

above  referred  to,  lived  on  terms  of  affectionate  inti- 
macy with  Dr.  Janeway,  and  at  his  death,  left  him 
one  of  his  executors,  after  giving  through  life  the 
fullest  proof  of  his  veneration  for  his  character — his 
steadfast  friend  amid  all  the  after  trials  of  life. 
"Yielding  pacifieth  great  offences." 

September  16.  ''This  day  my  soul  has  been 
languid,  and  not  engaged  enough  in  religious  duties. 
I  have  just  been  meditating  on  the  state  of  my  affec- 
tions; and  think  how  much  I  want  life  and  vigour  in 
them.  With  my  affections,  as  well  as  with  the  other 
faculties  of  my  nature,  should  I  glorify  God.  But  I 
have  to  lament,  that  my  love  is  so  cold,  my  gratitude 
so  weak,  my  joy  and  hope  so  faint,  and  my  sorrow 
for  sin  not  more  tender  and  overflowing.  May  God 
enliven  my  affections.  I  bless  God,  that  the  church 
in  the  Northern  Liberties  is  so  far  advanced ;  and, 
that  the  raising  has  been  attended  by  no  accident — 
not  the  smallest.  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped, 
and  I  trust  he  will  still  help  us  to  complete  a  place 
for  his  worship,  which  shall  remain  for  ages  and 
generations.  Who  can  let  when  God  is  on  our  side  ? 
I  am  seeking  for  a  savoury  relish  of  divine  truth,  and 
to  feel  more  than  I  do.  May  God  make  me  persever- 
ing, and  successful.  To  his  grace  I  commend  my- 
self." 

November  11,  Sabbath.  ''The  blessed  commu- 
nion of  our  Lord  is  approaching.  I  have  this  even- 
ing inquired  into  the  evidences  of  my  growing  in 
grace,  and  to  aid  my  endeavours,  I  took  up  that 
chapter  in  Doddridge,  which  treats  on  this  subject.  I 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  93 

think,  tTiougli  I  could  not  answer  all  tlie  questions 
there  proposed,  yet  I  could  to  most,  and  I  discerned 
solid  evidences  of  my  growing  in  grace.  My  heart  is 
more  weaned  from  the  world.  I  am  gaining  victories 
over  selfish  passions  and  desires.  I  desire  more  to 
have  my  all  laid  out  for  God.  I  have  patience,  and  am 
enabled  to  submit  to  trying  dispensations.  Oh !  could 
I  grow  more  in  grace !  But  I  must  remark,  that  I 
am  not  so  prayerful  as  I  was ;  that  is,  I  do  not  so 
frequently,  in  going  out,  lift  my  heart  in  ejacula- 
tory  addresses.  May  God  give  us  a  delightful 
communion  I" 

November  18,  Sabbath.  "  This  day,  at  the  com- 
munion table,  I  had  not  those  delightful  manifesta- 
tions of  Christ  which  I  have  had,  I  trust,  in  secret.  But 
my  mind  was  composed,  my  thoughts  active,  with- 
out wandering,  and  my  affections  in  some  degree  en- 
gaged. I  first  confessed  my  unworthiness,  guilt,  and 
ill  desert.  I  then  renewed  my  covenant  with  God 
and  Christ ;  after  which,  I  offered  a  variety  of  peti- 
tions. My  prayers  were  fervent,  and  in  some  measure 
importunate.  I  prayed  for  more  faith,  hope,  and 
love;  for  animation,  engagedness  in  preaching,  and 
for  the  spirit  of  my  station ;  for  health  of  body,  and 
direction  in  my  studies ;  for  success  in  my  labours  ; 
for  more  of  a  Christian  temper ;  that  God  would  vin- 
dicate my  character  and  forgive  my  enemies ;  for  my 
wife,  parents,  relatives ;  for  my  colleague ;  for  the 
congregation." 

A  person,  drawn  off  from  the  Second  Church  by 
the  popularity  of  the  English  preacher,  attempted  to 
8* 


94  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

justify  His  cause,  by  reporting  tliat  Dr.  Janeway  was 
an  unconverted  man,  and  that  he  could  not  sit  under ' 
a  barren  ministry.  He  merely  records,  "  I  pity  his 
uncharitableness  and  presumption,  and  pray  for  him. 
I  thank  Grod,  that  for  nine  years  I  have  been  a  new 
creature  in  Christ;  and  in  this  hope,  I  have  enjoyed 
much  peace  and  comfort.  Nor  have  I  taken  it  light- 
ly ;  it  has  been  the  fruit  of  much  self-examination, 
and  I  trust,  of  the  witnessing  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  It  is 
a  little  thing  to  be  judged  of  man's  judgment,  when 
we  consider  God  is  our  final  Judge  ?  I  commit  my 
cause  to  God,  and  believe  that  he  who  has  brought 
forth  my  righteousness  to  light,  when  injured  by  false 
accusations,  will  bring  it  forth  again.  I  would  rest 
in  thee,  0  my  covenant  God. 

December  9.  "  This  morning  I  was  praying  that 
I  might  feel  more  the  unspeakable  honour  conferred 
on  me,  in  calling  me  to  the  gospel  ministry,  and  that 
I  might  get  nearer  to  God.  This  evening,  it  seemed 
as  if  my  prayer  was  answered  in  some  measure. 
I  had  a  comfortable  meditation  on  the  necessity  of 
my  being  revived,  and  the  encouragement  I  have  to 
seek  a  revival  of  religion.  To  press  on  my  mind 
the  necessity  of  being  revived,  I  consider  the  infinite 
excellence  of  God,  which  renders  him  infinitely 
worthy  of  being  loved  and  served.  How  shall  I  feel 
when  I  get  into  heaven,  and  review  the  manner  of 
my  life,  and  compare  it  with  my  glory  there — my 
ofi&ce  as  a  minister,  my  happiness,  doing  more  good, 
&c.  Encouraging  considerations  were  the  promises, 
answers  to  my  prayers,  plentiful  efiusions  of  God's 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  95 

Holy  Spirit  in  tlie  present  day,  in  wliicli  I  hope  to 
share.  A  tlionglit  of  shame  occurred  this  morning, 
before  I  began  to  speak  on  the  Divinity  of  our 
Saviour,  arising  from  the  ridicule  of  some.  I  humbled 
myself,  and  was  enabled  to  speak  boldly  and  com- 
fortably.    Blessed  be  Jesus  Christ,  my  God." 

December  23,  Sabbath.  "  This  day  I  had  some 
freedom  in  preaching.  My  text  was,  '  For  thy  ser- 
vants take  pleasure  in  her  stones,  and  favour  the 
dust  thereof;'  and  by  discoursing  from  it,  I  en- 
deavoured to  promote  that  active  spirit,  which  now 
pervades  the  Church  of  Christ.  This  evening  I  have 
enquired  whether  I  have  been  revived  since  I  have 
been  seeking  for  more  religion.  I  trust  I  have  more, 
for  which  I  bless  Almighty  God.  But  oh,  I  want 
much  more.  I  need  more  of  an  active  spirit  to  ani- 
mate all  my  devotions,  and  actions,  and  labours.  God 
grant  it  1  I  am  seeking  to  feel  more  of  the  power 
of  the  word,  and  to  taste  more  of  its  sweetness." 

December  30.  "  My  heart  has  felt  very  cold  for  a 
few  days.  I  feel  that  I  can  do  nothing  of  myself,  and 
that  I  am  wholly  and  ever  dependent  on  the  Holy 
Ghost  for  all  light,  and  grace,  and  comfort.  I  have 
mourned  and  prayed  over  my  cold  heart,  and  in 
prayer  found  some  relief.  My  meditation  this 
evening  was  comfortable." 


96  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY. 


CHAPTEK  lY. 

1805  TO  1810. 

Pastoral  Work — Era  of  American  Missions — Formation  of  the 
First  Bible  Society — Theological  Seminary  at  Princeton. 

Februaey  3, 1805.  "I  have  been  reading  for  some 
time  with  too  much  anxiety  and  impatience,  as  if  my 
improvement  depended  on  the  number  of  pages  I 
turned  over.  I  feel  ashamed  at  the  return  of  the 
weakness.  For  a  considerable  space  of  time,  by  the 
grace  of  God,  I  was,  in  a  great  measure,  free  from 
this  impatience ;  and  I  went  steadily  on  in  my  studies. 
But  it  has  returned,  and  I  am  ashamed.  Grant,  O 
Lord,  thy  grace  again !  This  day  my  colleague  was 
unable  to  preach  in  Arch  Street,  so  that  I  had  to 
preach  twice  there.  I  thank  God,  that  he  has  been 
so  long  enabled  to  preach  regularly.  I  am  endeav- 
ouring to  spend  one  hour  a  day  in  reading  practical 
works.  I  was  in  this  habit  some  years  ago,  and 
found  the  benefit  of  it ;  but,  owing  to  the  pressure  of 
duties,  I  have  not  been  able  to  get  time  for  pursuing 
this  practice.  I  hope  I  shall  be  able  to  spare  time 
for  it  now,  and  that  I  shall  reap  the  benefit  of  it, 
through  the  blessing  of  God. 

February  10.  ''A  while  ago,  I  felt  a  strong  desire 
to  employ  all  in  God's  service.  The  emotions  and 
feelings  I   then    experienced,   excited  a  degree   of 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  97 

spiritual  pride.  I  felt  somewliat  inclined  to  think  that 
few  were  more  sanctified  than  myself.  God  has  been 
pleased  since,  in  mercy,  to  humble  me.  He  has  made 
me  to  see  and  feel  what  a  poor  insufficient  creature  I 
am,  and  that  my  heart  is  yet  dreadfully  depraved. 
Oh !  may  Grod  make  and  ever  keep  me  humbly 
disposed  to  ascribe  all  to  sovereign  grace.  I  am 
praying  for  a  thankful  and  loving  heart.  Grod,  I  trust, 
will  give  it  me.  It  will  be  for  his  glory.  Occasionally 
I  feel  discouraged  under  a  sense  of  my  insufficiency 
for  the  ministry  of  Jesus,  in  this  congregation.  But 
God  is  able  to  help,  and  he  who  has  aided  me  hereto- 
fore, will  still  assist  me  and  encourage  me.  On  the 
whole,  I  remark  to  the  praise  of  God,  that  I  live  a 
tranquil,  comfortable  and  happy  life — thanks  to  God." 

February  17,  Sabbath.  ''Last  week  I  had  en- 
largement in  prayer  twice  or  thrice,  and  especially 
on  Wednesday  night.  God  was  pleased  to  aid  in 
speaking  on  Friday  evening,  on  Jer.  iii.  22,  '  Eeturn 
ye  backsliding  children,'  &c.  I  have  backslidden 
in  affection,  in  first  love,  and  desire  to  return.  Heal 
me,  0  God  !  Behold  I  come  to  thee,  for  thou  art  the 
Lord,  my  God !  On  Saturday  evening,  while  my 
colleague  spoke  on  these  words,  '  The  Lord  Jesus  be 
with  thy  Spirit,'  I  felt  reproved,  because  I  had  not 
his  presence.  But  I  perceived  that  I  had  it,  though 
not  so  sensibly,  yet  really  in  fixing  my  attention,  in 
causing  me  to  breathe  after  Him,  in  disposing  me  to 
mourn  that  I  had  not  more  of  his  presence." 

The  birth  of  his  first  child  fills  him  with  emo- 
tions of  gratitude ;  and  after  pious  reflections  on  the 


98  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY. 

event  of  one  tlfas  ushered  into  a  world  of  sin  and 
misery,  lie  hastens  to  consecrate  him  to  God ;  that  if 
it  please  Heaven,  he  may  early  enter  on  the  service  of 
Jesns.  On  the  birth  of  his  other  children,  his  heart 
was  in  earnest  for  their  spiritual  welfare.  By  faith 
he  took  hold  of  the  covenant,  and  gave  them  to  God. 
And  when  he  died,  he  left  five  of  the  six  in  the 
Church  of  Christ,  and  without  doubts  that  God  in 
his  good  time,  would  hear  his  frequent  prayers,  and 
gather  the  remaining  one  into  the  precious  fold  of 
Christ. 

He  had  returned  to  the  reading  of  practical  works 
on  religion,  and  records  his  benefit  resulting  there- 
from. Other  reading  becomes  sanctified,  and  he  reaps 
benefit  from  reflections.  "In  reading  the  life  of 
Caesar,  by  Plutarch,  I  felt  ashamed  that  he  should 
make  such  great  exertions  in  his  ambitious  pursuits, 
and  I  such  feeble  ones  in  the  cause  of  my  Master, 
and  in  pursuit  of  an  eternal  crown." 

Like  too  many  of  God's  ministers,  he  had  anxious 
moments  on  the  matter  of  his  support.  The  size 
and  character  of  the  congregation  required  a  certain 
corresponding  style  of  living,  for  which  they  were 
not  careful  to  provide.  But  he  reproves  his  want  of 
trust  in  his  Heavenly  Father,  and  calls  to  mind  how 
often  he  had  sent  seasonable  relief  He  would  sit  loose 
from  the  world,  and  though  he  had  reasonable  pros- 
pects of  enlarged  estates  from  his  own  and  his  wife's 
father,  he  schools  his  heart  to  a  deadness  to  the  world, 
and  leaves  such  issues  to  God's  infinite  wisdom.  With 
moderate  desires,  in  which  he  found  his  wife  entirely 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  99 

sympatliizmg,  lie  sought  only  a  decent  support,  and 
rightly  judged  that  his  people  were  abundantly  able 
to  secure  it  to  the  labourer  in  their  service.  How 
many  of  God's  hidden  ones  have  been  as  painfully 
exercised !  How  often  do  these  trials  unsettle  their 
hold  on  people  committed  to  their  charge  ! 

Amid  these  perplexities,  the  infirm  health  of  Dr. 
Green  made  it  necessary  that  he  should  be  absent 
for  three  months.  Dr.  Milledoler,  of  the  Third 
Church,  was  in  the  country,  and  Mr.  Potts,  of  the 
Fourth  Church,  sick ;  the  pulpit  of  the  First  Church 
still  vacant  since  the  lamented  death  of  Dr.  Linn,  and 
now,  in  the  heat  of  summer,  the  care  of  all  the 
churches  devolved  on  the  most  youthful  preacher  of 
them  all.  His  duties  multiplied  and  his  burdens  in- 
creased ;  his  only  helper  was  God. 

The  dreaded  yellow  fever  again  made  its  appear- 
ance, and  threatens  the  doomed  city  with  its  scourg- 
ings.  ''  The  pestilence  again  threatens  our  city.  I  feel 
no  alarm.  If  God  determine  to  remove  me  hence, 
His  will  be  done — may  I  only  be  ready.     But  spare, 

0  God,  spare  the  city  !  Pity,  0  pity  and  forgive  the 
people.  Oh !  how  depraved  I  am !  I  feel  my  in- 
ward pollution,  and  think  myself  the  chief  of  sinners. 

1  loathe  myself  on  account  of  sin,  0  wretched  man 
that  I  am.  Who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of 
this  death?  Blessed  be  God  for  his  Son,  and  grace 
by  him. 

September  8,  Sabbath.  "The  fever  is  progress- 
ing. In  Southwark,  it  has  become  very  bad  and 
general.     It  has  got  a  footing  in  the  city,  and  will 


100  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

probably  spread  so  as  to  occasion  a  general  disper- 
sion of  the  inhabitants.  God  have  mercy  on  a  gnilty 
city  !  We  deserve  thy  judgments,  0  righteous  Lord 
God;  but  in  the  multitude  of  thy  pardoning  mer-' 
cies  pass  by  our  transgressions.  I  commit  myself  to 
God.  I  pray  God  to  spare  me,  not  because  I  am  un- 
willing to  go;  for  I  trust,  by  his  grace  I  am  in  a 
state  of  habitual  readiness ;  but,  because  of  the 
necessities  of  the  church,  which  is  on  every  side 
crying  for  more  ministers.  Thy  will,  0  God,  be  done. 
Call  me  when  thou  wilt,  and  through  Jesus,  receive 
me  into  thy  kingdom." 

On  the  removal  of  Dr.  Milledoler  to  ISTew  York, 
he  writes:  "It  has  pleased  God  to  remove  a  dear 
brother  from  the  city.  I  thank  God  for  his  company, 
fellowship,  and  friendship.  The  Lord  sanctify  to  me 
and  the  people,  his  loss.  Provide  in  due  time,  great 
Head  of  the  church,  a  man  to  succeed  him  in  the 
charge  over  that  people,  and  may  he  come  in  the  full- 
ness of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus.  Re- 
vive us  again  in  this  city.  Pour  out  thy  Spirit,  like 
rain  on  the  new-mown  meadows."  It  may  be  added 
here,  that  a  sanctified  friendship  existed  for  more 
than  fifty  years  between  these  brethren ;  each  rejoic- 
ing in  each  other's  successes,  and  the  honours  which 
their  respective  churches  heaped  upon  them.  Their 
departures  were  not  far  distant,  and  in  glory  they 
have  doubtless  renewed  the  friendship  of  time. 

September  29,  Sabbath.  "My  habitual  desire 
and  prayer  is,  that  I  may  love  God  more,  and  serve 
Him  with  a  greater  zeal.     I  often  meditate  on  sub- 


LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  101 

jects  with  a  view  to  inflame  my  zeal.  But  alas!  how 
languid  these  sacred  passions  of  my  soul !  When, 
blessed  God,  shall  my  love  burn  with  a  brighter  and 
stronger  flame,  and  my  zeal  prompt  me  to  more 
vigorous  action,  and  cause  me  to  take  more  delight 
in  thy  service  ?  The  bent  of  my  soul  is,  I  hope,  be- 
coming more  and  more  determined  for  God.  I  wish 
to  be  placed  in  that  situation,  and  those  circum- 
stances, in  which  I  may  be  enabled  to  do  more  for 
the  honour  of  my  God." 

The  temporary  subsidence  of  the  pestilence  was 
followed  by  more  alarming  increase.  It  was  thought 
prudent  to  remove  his  family  beyond  the  circle  of  in- 
fection. He  remained,  however,  at  his  post,  preach- 
ing the  gospel,  and  performing  additional  labours  for 
the  other  churches,  now  without  pastors. 

''It  appears  from  the  aspect  of  providence,  that 
God  is  calling  me  to  humiliation.  In  obedience  to 
what  I  consider  as  the  language  of  providence,  I  pro- 
pose, with  the  assistance  of  Divine  grace,  to  endeav- 
our to  humble  myself  before  God,  on  account  of  the 
pestilence  which  afflicts  the  city,  on  account  of  the 
state  of  our  congregation,  and  that  of  the  other 
Presbyterian  congregations  in  the  city,  and  on  ac- 
count of  my  own  sins.  For  this  purpose,  I  set  apart 
a  fast  to-morrow,  when  I  intend  to  fast  and  pray. 
Gracious  God,  approve  my  purpose,  aid  me  by  thy 
grace,  enable  me,  truly,  to  humble  myself,  and  fer- 
vently to  pray ;  and  may  all  be  animated  by  a  lively 
faith  in  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ." 

He  accomplished  his  purpose,  and  spent  the  next 
9 


102  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JAJ^LWAY. 

day  in   prayer   and  fasting.     He   linmbled  himself, 
1st.    "On  account  of  the  judgment  inflicted  on  the 
city.     Here  I  reflected  on  the  abounding  sins :  snch 
as  profane  sweariog,  Sabbath-breaking,  intemperance, 
drnnkenness,   adultery ,   perjury,   fraud,    ingratitude, 
contempt  of  the  gospel,  neglect  and  misimprovement 
of  the   means   of  grace.     These  I  confessed  before 
God — acknowledged  that  on  account,  of  these  and 
other  sins,  we  deserved  all  that  we  suffer,  and  I  im- 
plored forgiveness.  2d.  On  account  of  the  low  state  of 
the  Presbyterian  churches  in  this  city.     Here  I  con- 
sidered the  causes  of  the  controversy  which  God  ap- 
pears to  have  with  these  churches.      1st.    Want  of 
union.  2d.  Unfounded  complaint  about  the  ministers. 
This  holds  particularly  with  regard  to  our  church.  8d. 
Excessive   and  injudicious  attachment   of  the   Pine 
Street  congregation,  which,  in  some  measure,  makes 
an  idol  of  their  minister,  to  the  misimprovement  of  the 
means  of  grace.     This  is  the  case  with  all.     These 
things  I  lamented,  and  prayed  God  to  forgive.     I 
prayed  especially  for  the  restoration  of  my  colleague's 
health,  and  that  God  would  not  bring  us  low,  by  de- 
priving us  of  his  valuable  labours.    8d.  My  own  sins. 
Here  I  took  an  extensive  and  comprehensive  view  of 
my  whole  life.     I  saw  much  cause  for  humiliation. 
I  confessed,  lamented,  and  implored  forgiveness,  and 
gave  thanks  for  it,  through  Jesus  Christ.     I  began 
the  exercises  by  calling  to  mind  the  answers  I  have 
received,   after    days    spent   in  fasting    and   prayer 
I  mingled  the  exercises  with  reading  the  Scriptures. 
God  has,  I  think,  enabled  me  to  perform  the  duty  ac- 


LIFi:  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  103 

ceptably.  I  liad  melting  of  heart  and  liumiliation 
of  soul.  I  ask  God  to  forgive  the  imperfect  manner 
in  which  I  have  meditated,  read  and  prayed;  and 
beseech  Him  to  accept  of  my  service,  only  through 
Jesus  Christ,  to  whom,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  everlasting  praise,  and  all  glory — Amen. 

'^  One  striking  thought  occurred  to  me.  Let  the 
wicked,  when  deprived  of  their  property,  or  other 
worldly  goods,  say.  Ye  have  taken  away  my  God,  and 
what  have  I  left  ?  But  a  Christian,  when  deprived 
of  worldly  goods,  should  say — I  have  still  my  God: 
in  him  I  have  everything.  I  have  lost  nothing. 
Poverty  cannot  make  me  poor,  affliction  cannot 
make  me  miserable  ;  my  poverty  shall  be  converted 
into  gain ;  my  affliction  shall  be  made  subservient  to 
my  happiness.  I  have  reason  to  acknowledge  with 
gratitude,  the  kindness  of  God  to  me,  during  the  ab- 
sence of  my  colleague.  I  have  been  so  far  carried 
comfortably  through  my  increased  duties,  and  have 
improved  in  health  within  the  last  three  weeks. 
Good  is  the  Lord  in  preserving  me  from  pestilence, 
in  aiding  me  in  my  duties,  and  in  giving  me  in- 
creased health.  How  good  is  it  to  trust  in  the  Lord ! 
I  looked  to  him,  and  endeavoured  to  confide  in  him, 
and  lol  he  hath  heard  my  request  and  helped  me. 
Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his 
mercies." 

Sabbath,  November  3.  ''How  changeable  my 
frames.  In  the  morning  after  preaching,  I  felt  cheer- 
ful and  encouraged ;  but  in  the  afternoon,  I  felt  de- 
pressed and  discouraged.     Pride  acted  in  the  morn- 


104  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

ing,  and  God  humbled  me  in  the  afternoon.  Be- 
tween services,  I  was  thinking  that  I  had  too  mnch 
to  do,  and  reflecting  on  my  own  insufficiency.  This 
led  to  a  degree  of  despondency,  so  that  I  did  not 
look  to  God  for  aid,  as  I  ought.  I  did  not  perceive 
this  at  tlie  time  ;  but  afterwards  I  saw  it,  and  lamented 
the  deceitful  workings  of  a  wicked,  unbelieving  heart. 
I  thought,  as  God  brought  me  here,  and  as  long  as  I 
remain  here  agreeably  to  his  will,  I  may  and  ought 
to  exercise  in  him  a  cheerful  and  confident  trust.  Will 
God  enable  me  so  to  do  ?  Oh  !  how  much  I  need  the 
power  of  religion !  What  life  would  this  give  to  my 
soul !  What  activity  to  my  whole  conduct !  I  wish 
to  obtain  it ;  I  wish  to  be  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
that  I  may  do  more  for  my  Lord  and  Master. 

God  has  made  me  sensible  in  some  degree,  of  the 
wickedness  of  my  unbelief,  in  not  putting  in  him 
more  confidence,  and  of  the  depravity  of  my  heart  in 
general.  I  pray  God  to  give  me  a  due  and 
humbling  discovery  of  my  corruptions,  and  a 
penitent,  broken   and   contrite  heart." 

November  17,  Sabbath.  ''This  evening  I  heard 
a  sermon  preached,  with  a  view  to  raise  funds  to 
assist  in  carrying  on  the  translation  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures  into  the  several  tongues  spoken  in  India. 
May  God  incline  people  to  favour  this  blessed 
cause !  Oh !  that  the  blessed  Bible  were  translated 
into  all  languages,  that  all  nations  might  know  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

November  24,  Sabbath.  ''  This  day  I  partook  of 
the  sacrament  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  com- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  105 

memorated  his  dying  love.  By  tlie  grace  of  God,  I 
was  enabled  to  make  preparation.  I  examined  my- 
self, botli  as  to  my  state  of  grace,  and  growth  in  it. 
I  concluded  that  I  was  in  general  growing  in  grace, 
and  this  conclusion  I  drew,  not  from  fervour  of  affec- 
tions, but  from  the  disposition  of  my  will,  and  grow- 
ing desire  to  be  wholly  devoted  to  God.  He  enabled 
me  to  exercise  an  afi'ectionate  sorrow  for  sin,  and  to 
renew  my  covenant  with  some  degree  of  devotion 
and  solemnity.  After  this,  I  inquired  what  were  the 
particular  sins  which  I  ought  to  confess  at  the  table ; 
and  what  the  particular  grace  and  blessing  I  needed. 
In  going  to  church  this  morning,  I  felt  some  melting 
of  heart  on  account  of  sin;  but  during  the  sermon, 
though  animated,  I  did  not  feel  as  I  wished.  This  I 
attributed  to  pride,  and  this  sin  marred  my  service. 
^'  Ye  ask,  and  receive  not,  because  ye  ask  amiss,  to 
consume  it  on  your  lusts,"  and  I  thought  the  reason 
why  I  felt  no  more  affected,  was  my  improper  re 
gard  to  the  opinion  of  others.  But  I  was  assisted  in 
meditating  on  the  sufferings  of  Jesus,  in  confessing 
sin,  beseeching  deliverance  from  it,  and  imploring 
needed  graces,  virtue  and  blessings ;  and  in  renewing 
my  covenant.  The  Lord  forgive  the  sins  of  my  holy 
service,  and  accept  what  I  have  done  for  Jesus' 
sake.  Last  week  I  felt  persuaded  that  God  heard 
my  prayers,  and  gave  me  victory  over  my  corrup- 
tions; such  as  pride,  vanity,  selfishness,  regard 
to  the  opinion  of  men,  &c.  This  is  encouragement 
to  persevere  in  prayer.  Oh !  to  be  enabled  to  do  so. 
Last  week  I  became,  in  the  first  part  of  it,  too  impa- 
9* 


106  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

tient  in  prosecuting  my  studies.  For  this,  I  found 
relief  in  making  preparation  for  tiie  communion,  and 
when  at  the  table,  I  lamented  this  impatience  as  one 
of  mj  sins." 

The  savour  of  the  Sabbath  ran  into  the  succeeding 
week.  His  prayers  offered  at  the  table,  were  recalled 
and  renewed.  His  studies  were  pleasant,  and  he  had 
aid  in  his  pulpit  preparations,  arising  from  the  fellow- 
ship he  had  had  at  the  table  of  his  loving  Lord.  His 
earthly  circumstances  gave  him  less  trouble,  because 
he  could  leave  all  with  a  covenant  God.  "  Thou  wilt 
keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind  is  stayed  on 
thee."  By  these  promises  he  anchored,  and  his  life 
flowed  on  in  even  tenor,  and  though  his  people  had 
not  as  yet  made  such  arrangements  as  to  make  his 
regular  salary  permanent,  yet  he  would  trust  in  Grod, 
and  leave  success  or  disappointment  equally  in  his 
hands  and  at  his  disposal.  His  earnest  desire  was  to 
fulfil  his  ministry,  as  in  the  great  Task-Master's  eye, 
and  be  approved  of  God.  He  narrowly  watches  any 
approaches  to  formality,  and  desires  to  glow  with 
holy  ardour,  while  serving  at  the  altar.  ''I  find 
that  I  have  in  public  worship  too  little  of  the 
presence  of  God,  and  too  little  of  sensible  comfort, 
and  that  I  am  too  apt  to  be  satisfied,  when  I  have 
not  enjoyed  them,  and  am  not  enough  affected  by 
the  want.  I  pray  God  to  stir  me  up,  and  dispose 
me  to  seek  after  a  more  devotional  frame,  and  more 
profitable  exercises.  I  find  that  in  living  to  Christ 
I  am  very  defective;  and  that,  though  I  am  in  gene- 
ral devoted  to  him,  yet  I  want  much  love,  zeal  and 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  107 

courage,  faith,  &c.  God  in  mercy,  work  in  my  heart 
mightily,  that  Christ  may  be  magnified  in  me,  both 
in  life,  and  in  death." 

Sabbath,  January  12,  1806.  "This  day  I  was 
assisted,  I  trust,  in  preaching  on  the  words,  '  God  be 
merciful  to  me  a  sinner.'  I  pray  it  may  do  good. 
But  I  had  not  that  sense  of  Divine  presence,  and 
sweet  relish  of  Divine  truth  which  I  wish,  whenever 
I  ascend  the  sacred  desk.  I  lamented  my  coldness 
in  prayer,  and  besought  Divine  assistance. 

"I  sleep  too  late.  I  must  try  to  redeem  time. 
The  Lord  assist  me !  Oh,  how  I  have  wished  that 
my  constitution  did  not  require  so  much  sleep ! 

Sabbath,  January  26.  "  On  Friday  evening  I  felt 
shut  up,  so  that  my  view  of  the  subject  was  confined. 
I  felt  humbled  and  mortified.  To-day,  too,  my 
feelings  were  blunt,  and,  though  animated,  yet  I 
did  not  enjoy  that  comfortable  sense  of  the  Divine 
presence,  nor  impression  of  the  truth,  which  I  could 
wish.  Oh,  how  little  I  feel  in  preaching !  I  pray 
God  that  I  may  not  be  contented,  and  that  I  may 
seek  till  I  get  a  better  frame !  Pride  injures  me  in 
two  respects :  First,  it  corrupts  my  motive  in  seeking 
the  presence  of  God  in  preaching.  Secondly,  it 
produces  undue  self-complacency  when  I  am  aided. 
Thus  it  weakens  the  ef&cacy  of  my  prayers,  and 
hides  the  face  of  God  from  me.  Slay,  blessed  Jesus, 
this  hateful  sin,  so  injurious  to  me,  so  opposed  to 
thee !  This  evening  my  heart  seems  to  melt  a  little  ! 
I  thank  God  I" 

So  jealous  was  he  of  his  heart,  and  so  anxious  that 


108  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

his  motives  should  be  pure !  He  would  work  as  in 
the  eye  of  God,  and  approve  himself  to  his  inspection. 
Nor  were  these  momentary  feelings.  His  journal 
indicates  their  existence  always.  The  abiding 
jealousy  with  which  he  schooled  his  heart,  and  the 
dread  of  self-deception,  were  his  constant  companions. 
So  he  writes : 

Sabbath,  February  9.  "Pride,  cowardice,  selfish- 
ness, dogmatism,  neglect  of  the  heart,  &c.,  are  sins 
against  which  I  have  been  praying ;  and  humility, 
courage,  disinterested  benevolence,  meekness,  culti- 
vation of  the  heart,  seal  the  graces  which  I  have 
often,  since  the  last  communion,  been  imploring. 
The  Lord  hear  me !  One  day  last  week,  I  felt  unable 
to  put  forth  spiritual  acts,  and  was  sensible  of  my 
entire  dependence  on  God  for  every  good  thought 
and  holy  disposition.  By  sad  experience,  I  find  that 
I  am  too  little  edified  by  my  public  exercises.  I  am 
sensible  of  this ;  I  deplore  it,  and  beseech  God  that  I 
may  feel  more  and  derive  more  sensible  benefit  from 
them.  Self-seeking  is  the  bane  of  my  public  per- 
formances. This  prevents  the  communication  of 
grace,  and  hinders  my  prayers.  "Were  it  not  for 
this,  T  might  enjoy  more  comfort,  and  more  of  the 
presence  of  God  in  public  worship.  Oh,  to  be 
annihilated  while  standing  in  the  presence  of  God, 
and  seek  only  the  glory  of  Jesus !" 

Sabbath,  February  16.  '^  This  day  I  was  permitted 
to  partake  of  the  Communion  of  our  Lord's  Supper. 
I  endeavoured  to  make  the  usual  preparation. 
During  the   preparatory  services,  I   felt   very  cold 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  109 

and  stupid.  It  seemed  as  if  I  could  not  be  affected. 
Some  movements  of  heart,  however,  I  had  in  secret 
prayer.  While  my  colleague  was  preaching,  I  felt 
but  little.  But  afterwards  I  had  some  feeling,  and 
shed  some  tears  in  prayer.  I  felt  my  great  wicked- 
ness, and  went  to  God,  humbled  under  a  sense  of  my 
sins.  I  confessed  and  lamented  them  before  God.  I 
was  enabled  to  renew  my  covenant  with  a  degree  of 
confidence,  and  cast  my  sins  on  the  Eedeemer.  God, 
I  thought,  saw  no  iniquity  in  me,  as  united  to  Christ, 
sprinkled  with  his  blood,  and  covered  with  his 
righteousness.  But  in  myself,  how  much  guilt,  vile- 
ness,  ill  desert !  I  thought  of  heaven,  and  rejoiced 
at  the  prospect  of  dying  and  dropping  my  sins  in 
the  grave,  and  becoming  a  perfect  spirit.  I  wished 
and  prayed  for  sanctification.  This  was  my  earnest 
desire,  uttered  with  groans." 

March  2.  ''  My  mind  has  been  teeming  with  chari- 
table schemes.  I  have  thought  that,  had  I  wealth,  I 
should  esteem  it  an  honour  to  employ  all,  beside 
what  my  subsistence  required,  in  relieving  the  poor 
and  in  aiding  the  promotion  of  the  gospel.  But  I 
have  suspected  a  mixture  of  corrupt  passion  and 
self-seeking  in  these  imagined  schemes ;  and  on  this 
account  I  have  prayed  God  to  purify  my  views  and 
motives,  and  give  me  charity  out  of  a  pure  heart, 
and  faith  unfeigned.  How  deceitful  the  heart!  It 
becomes  a  Christian  to  see  that,  while  he  thinks  he 
is  doing  God  service,  he  do  not  seek  himself  This 
day  I  preached  on  Christian  zeal.  Ah !  how  much  I 
want  of  this  virtue  I     Would  to  God  I  had  more! 


110  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

But  alas  I  am  sluggish,  and  feel  little  of  that  holy 
fervour  which  warmed  and  animated  the  spirits  of 
the  apostles.  With  respect  to  the  church  to  which  I 
am  connected,  I  desire  to  think  and  act  with  meek- 
ness and  moderation.  The  will  of  God  be  done !  If 
it  is  my  duty  to  remain  here  and  make  unusual 
sacrifices,  as  I  have  since  my  marriage,  I  desire  to 
know  and  do  it.  At  present  I  have  but  few  thoughts 
about  it.  God  gave  me  what  I  have,  and  he  has  a 
right  to  take  it  when  he  will." 

The  duty  of  pastoral  visitation  he  recognized  and 
practised.  His  systematic  habits  enabled  him  to 
accomplish  much  in  this  matter.  Of  it  he  made  a 
conscience;  though  he  often  complains  of  want  of 
disposition  and  talent  to  drop  a  word  for  God,  and 
render  his  visits  more  practical.  Of  his  own  feelings 
he  never  was  accustomed  to  speak  much.  He  was 
silent  as  to  what  God  had  done  for  his  soul.  But  to 
reprove  vice  and  rebuke  sin  he  never  failed.  A  gentle 
savour  of  piety  seasoned  his  conversation ;  and  at  the 
bedside  of  the  sick  and  dying  he  was  peculiarly 
happy.  Others  thought  well  of  his  services  in  such 
respects ;  but  he  judged  himself  severely  by  the  word 
of  God,  and  felt  that  he  had  fallen  below  the  standard. 
But  at  home,  and  in  the  secresies  of  his  closet,  he 
wrestled  for  the  fervour  and  earnestness  which  would 
qualify  him  for  his  work. 

Sabbath,  March  9.  "For  two  or  three  days  past,  I 
have  been  in  a  dull,  stupid,  and  unfeeling  frame; 
and  though  I  have  made  some  efforts,  yet  I  could 
not  get  near  God,  nor  feel  a  comfortable  sense  of  his 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  Ill 

presence.  It  should  be  remarked  that  for  some  time 
I  have  felt  but  little  during  public  worship.  The 
ordinances  and  word  seem  barren.  This  I  have 
mourned  before  God,  and  this  day  I  was  a  good  deal 
affected  with  it.  Formerly  I  had  the  presence  of 
God  in  the  sanctuary,  though  I  made  but  little  exer- 
tion for  it ;  but  now  I  enjoy  but  little  of  it,  though 
I  make  great  exertion.  God  is  sovereign  and  holy. 
He  is  teaching  me  the  necessity  of  stirring  up  the 
gift  that  is  in  me,  and  to  labour  to  enjoy  him.  Oh, 
that  I  may  be  teachable,  and  enabled  by  grace  to 
learn  the  lesson !  Blessed  be  God,  my  interest  in 
his  love  depends  not  on  changeable  frames  nor  on 
fluctuating  comforts  I  He  loves  me  still,  and  I  love 
him.  He  will  keep  me  through  faith  unto  salvation." 
The  era  of  missions  was  dawning  on  the  American 
church.  The  example  of  British  Christians  was  felt. 
To  the  sun-rising  the  eyes  of  believers  were  begin- 
ning to  turn.  Some  efforts  were  making  among  the 
Indians  of  our  own  land,  in  which  the  Presbyterian 
church  took  the  lead.  The  General  Assembly,  in 
the  true  temper  which,  thirty  years  after,  was  so 
happily  and  successfully  accomplished,  had,  in  her 
church  capacity,  sent  some  of  her  servants  to  labour 
among  the  tribes  in  the  Southwest.  Kev.  Gideon 
Blackburn,  an  eloquent  preacher  in  Kentucky,  was 
commissioned  to  commence  a  mission  among  the 
Cherokees;  and  in  process  of  time  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  entered  upon  our  labours, 
and,  for  aught  that  appears  in  any  of  their  publica- 
tions, that  mission  has  always  appeared  as  one  of 


112  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

their  originating.  Dr.  Janeway  was  familiar  with 
every  movement  of  our  church  in  these  matters,  and 
took  a  rejoicing  interest  in  all  such  enterprises.  We 
find  him  applied  to  to  preach  a  sermon  in  order  to 
raise  funds  to  aid  British  Christians  in  their  efforts 
to  translate  the  Holy  Word  in  the  dialects  of  Hin- 
doostan.  A  number  of  the  early  missionaries  of  the 
London  Missionary  Society  found  it  convenient  to 
make  Philadelphia  their  port  of  embarkation  to 
India.  The  Christian  merchants,  like  Eobert  Kal- 
ston,  and  the  Christian  shipmasters,  like  Capt.  Wickes, 
rejoiced  to  aid  in  this  work,  and  help  forward  those 
men  of  God  who  were  going  far  off'  to  the  gentiles. 
Tn  the  labours  of  these  dear  men  did  Dr.  Janeway. 
ever  take  the  deepest  interest.  To  their  aid  he  freely 
contributed  to  his  power — yea,  beyond  his  power. 
He  blesses  God  that  he  had  been  aiding  in  preparing 
a  sermon  in  behalf  of  missionary  doings — for  the 
donations  of  the  people  in  responding  to  his  appeals ; 
and  he  prays  that  all  might  be  the  means  of  diffusing 
light  among  the  Pagans.  The  missionary  spirit  con- 
tinued to  glow  in  his  heart ;  and  while  his  heart  was 
earnest  in  the  great  cause  of  domestic  missions,  his 
benefactions  were  larger  in  proportion  to  the  Foreign 
Missions  of  our  church.  "  Thy  kingdom  come"  was 
a  prayer  he  never  ceased  to  breathe ;  and  even  in  his 
last  and  enfeebling  sickness,  the  ruling  passion  was 
still  strong  in  death. 

Sabbath,  May  11.  '^I  give  thanks  to  God  for  con- 
ducting me  and  mine  to  New  York,  and  then  home 
in  safety  and  comfort.     Prevented  while  absent  from 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  113 

attending  on  some  of  mj  usual  devotions,  my  heart 
feels  at  a  distance  from  God ;  and  I  have  not  my 
accustomed  freedom,  enlargement,  and  pleasure  in 
prayer.  I  wish  and  endeavour  to  get  near  God. 
This  is  more  needful,  as  I  have  it  in  prospect  to 
commemorate  the  Saviour's  dying  love  on  the  next 
Lord's  day.  Gracious  God,  prepare  my  heart  and 
enable  me  to  renew  my  covenant  with  satisfaction, 
delight,  and  profit!" 

Monday,  May  19.  "  Owing  to  constant  attention 
to  business,  occasioned  by  the  meeting  of  the  Assem- 
bly, I  had  very  little  leisure  to  prepare  for  the  Lord's 
Supper  yesterday  administered.  I  was  afraid  that 
my  frame  would  not  be  suitable.  However,  I  spent 
two  hours  on  Sabbath  morning  in  meditation  and 
prayer.  When  I  was  in  church,  my  thoughts 
became  composed — unseasonable  ones  driven  away, 
and  my  frame  became  devout.  At  the  table  I  was 
engaged,  and  enabled  to  transact  in  faith  and  love. 
My  prayers  were  fervent.  I  groaned  under  a  sense 
of  sin  and  depravity,  and  mourned  that  I  had  occa- 
sioned such  dreadful  sufferings  to  Jesus  Christ.  On 
the  whole,  I  have  much  reason  to  thank  God  for  his 
assistance,  and  for  making  the  season  so  comfortable. 
At  the  table  I  lamented  my  sins,  my  pride,  unbelief, 
self-seeking,  vanity,  cowardice,  want  of  zeal,  and 
depravity  in  general.  These  I  lamented  with  some 
emotions  of  sorrow,  and  felt  grieved  to  think  how 
much  Jesus  had  suffered  for  the  sins  of  such  a  wretch 
as  I.  After  renewing  my  covenant,  and  taking  the 
bread  and  wine  as  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ 
10 


11-i  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWaY. 

broken  and  slied  for  me,  I  preferred  my  requests.  I 
prayed  for  humility,  faith,  courage,  love,  zeal,  sim- 
plicity of  view,  an  eye  single  to  the  glory  of  God, 
disinterestedness,  activity,  furniture  for  my  work. 
These  petitions  I  offered  with  fervency,  and  including 
all,  in  the  petition  for  more  grace.  I  breathed 
earnestly  for  it.     I  give  God  thanks  for  aid." 

"  My  heart,  how  wicked !  I  see  more  of  its  pollu- 
tion, and  am  ashamed  before  God.  I  thank  God 
for  discovering  me  to  myself.  Oh,  for  humility ! 
Ambition,  vanity,  and — I  am  ashamed  to  write  it — 
envy  are  my  besetting  sins.  I  hate  all,  but  especially 
the  last.  May  grace  work  in  me  mightily,  and  sub- 
due these  iniquities !" 

Sabbath,  June  29.  "  Not  unfrequently,  of  late, 
when  occurrences  have  taken  place,  that  made  it 
proper  to  shorten  my  devotional  exercises,  I  have 
felt  a  secret  satisfaction.  I  confess  this  sin  before  God, 
who  looketh  on  my  heart,  and  pray  him  to  forgive 
and  destroy  it.  How  deceitful  the  heart !  Oh,  that  I 
may  love  my  devotions  more.  My  heart  is  too  cold 
and  barren.  I  feel  unfit  for  the  ministry.  And  still 
I  trust  God  so  little,  though  I  so  greatly  need  his 
aid.  Oh,  that  I  could  pray  with  more  fervency  and 
effect !  But,  alas  1  self-seeking  defeats  my  petitions. 
I  ask  amiss  to  consume  it  on  my  lusts." 

July  6th,  Sabbath.  ^'  This  afternoon,  owing  to  a 
heavy  cold,  I  had  to  discontinue  service,  after  prayer 
and  singing.  This  is  the  first  time,  since  my  settle- 
ment in  this  city,  which  is  seven  years  and  more, 
that   I  have  been  prevented  by  indisposition  from 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  115 

preaching.  "Wliat  thanks  I  owe  to  God  for  this  dis- 
tinguishing favour  I  "Weak  in  body,  and  just  recov- 
ering from  a  tedious  and  painful  affection  in  my 
breast,  when  I  came  hither,  I  did  not  expect  to  retain 
my  health.  But  in  obedience  to  the  will  of  Provi- 
dence I  came,  and  lo !  God  hath  preserved  me,  ever 
since,  in  a  state  of  health,  sufl&cient  for  the  dis- 
charge of  my  duties.  Thus  I  record  with  gratitude 
and  praise  the  goodness  of  God." 

His  mind  was  again  agitated  by  the  question  of 
removal.  Every  heart  knoweth  its  own  bitterness. 
Events  are  often  magnified,  and  young  preachers  are 
apt  to  have  exaggerated  ideas  of  surrounding  diflQ.- 
culties.  A  distrust  of  himself,  a  modest  under- 
rating of  his  qualifications  for  his  post,  in  a  charge 
so  respectable,  and  with  a  colleague  so  popular,  acted 
on  a  sensitive  mind.  But  earnest  were  his  prayers 
for  heavenly  guidance,  and  that  he  might  not  move, 
till  the  cloud  was  lifted  from  above  the  tabernacle. 
''  Thy  will  be  done,"  was  his  constant  prayer.  He 
prays  to  be  preserved  from  error  in  judgment  and 
inclination,  and  for  humility  and  grace  to  be  en- 
abled to  judge  and  act  rightly. 

A  merciful  deliverance  of  Dr.  Green's  life  from 
the  effects  of  lightning,  which  struck  his  dwelling 
and  by  which  he  was  somewhat  stunned,  calls  forth 
his  earnest  thanksgiving:  ''My  father,  my  father, 
the  chariots  of  Israel  and  the  horsemen  thereof !"  It 
is  refreshing  in  a  world  of  imperfect  men,  to  behold 
such  devotion  on  the  part  of  the  junior,  to  his  elder 
colleague.     The  loss   to  his  own   congregation,  and 


116  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

to  the  church  at  large,  seemed  painful,  and  his  joy 
breaks  forth  in  his  journal,  in  fervent  exclamations. 
A  kindness  unexpected  received  from  his  father  at 
this  time,  calls  forth  his  thanks  to  his  Heavenly 
Father  who  overruled  all,  and  he  writes :  "  Oh  !  the 
temporal  mercy  was  sweetened  by  the  consideration 
that  God  bestowed  it.  I  gave  thanks  to  God,  and 
prayed  that  I  might  have  grace  to  use  what  I 
received,  agreeably  to  his  blessed  and  holy  will. 
Surely,  I  should  never  distrust  God,  but  always 
repose  in  him  an  unshaken  confidence  for  every 
thing  that  I  need,  both  now  and  hereafter,  for  the 
body  as  well  as  the  soul.  The  Lord  increase  my 
trust."  That  he  might  be  able  to  continue  his  ben- 
efactions to  the  poor,  was  foremost  in  his  anxiety 
about  any  increase  of  his  means.  God,  he  knew, 
could  open  springs  in  the  desert,  and  make  streams 
flow  from  the  flinty  rock. 

He  recalled  the  goodness  of  the  providence  which, 
at  the  outstart  of  his  married  life,  had  restricted 
his  means.  It  had  saved  him  from  expenditure, 
to  which  his  social  position  would  have  exposed 
him,  and  led  to  the  formation  of  such  habits  of 
economy,  that  as  his  funds  from  his  parents 
increased,  there  would  be  more  redeemed  for  the 
poor  and  the  cause  of  the  Saviour.  His  gladness  in 
the  prospect  of  enlargement  of  income,  was  in  the 
power  of  increasing  his  benefactions;  and  this 
was,  when  the  church  in  this  land  had  hardly  begun 
to  awake  to  the  privileges  of  benevolent  effort.  We 
cannot  safely  judge,  by  our  view,  of  things  as  they 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  117 

t"hen  existed.  A  half  century  of  training,  with  the 
example  of  British  Christians,  has  led  our  church  to 
the  measure  of  comparative  elevation,  to  which, 
through  Grod's  mercy,  she  has  attained.  He  was  in 
advance  of  his  day,  and  as  his  means  increased,  so  did 
his  proportion  in  giving,  until,  for  years  before  his 
departure,  he  appropriated  with  cheerful  readiness, 
a  fifth  of  his  income  to  the  holy  cause.  It  is  not 
always  that  an  augmentation  of  means  is  accompa- 
nied with  corresponding  enlargement  of  the  ratio ; 
and  facts  show  too  lamentably,  that  among  many, 
whose  aggregate  contributions  appear  large,  there  is 
a  sad  short-coming  of  the  apostolic  injunction,  to 
give  as  the  Lord  hath  prospered.  From  the  time 
that  Dr.  Jane  way,  in  his  early  religious  history,  was 
the  owner  of  a  dollar,  one-tenth  was  the  Lord's,  until 
as  mentioned  above,  in  after  years,  while  his  expen- 
ses greatly  increased,  he  doubled  this  tenth.  It  may 
be  mentioned  here,  that  by  his  will,  he  gave  nothing 
to  any  charitable  purpose.  It  was  the  consistency 
of  his  course,  and  it  carried  out  the  great  principle 
of  his  life,  that  as  long  as  he  lived,  he  was  God's 
steward.  Death  did  discharge  him  from  his  trust. 
His  business,  his  duty,  was  in  this  life,  and  he 
hoped  that  his  children  had  imbibed  the  influence 
of  his  example,  and  would  be  influenced  by  like 
considerations  of  duty;  and  he  left  to  their  Chris- 
tian principle,  what  others  accomplish  by  posthu- 
mous direction. 

October  12,  Sabbath.  "  My  heart  was  too  cold  this 
morning  during  service.    In  the  afternoon,  my  frame 
10* 


118  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY. 

was  something  more  comfortable.  I  felt  ashamed  of 
myself.  Last  night,  in  reflecting  on  myself,  I  per- 
ceived that  I  loved  my  studies,  my  reputation,  and 
applause  too  much.  I  pray  God  to  give  me  the 
victory  over  these  corrupt  affections.  Last  week,  I 
was  too  impatient  in  my  studies.  I  must  beware  of 
making  them  an  idol,  and  endeavour  to  prosecute 
them  diligently,  and  in  dependence  on  God. 

''I  think  I  have  reason  to  thank  God  that  my 
prayers  have  been  more  fervent,  and  my  mind  more 
engaged  in  them,  for  some  time,  than  formerly. 
Sometimes,  when  I  feel  any  reluctance  to  prayer,  I 
complain  to  God,  and  find  relief  and  enlargement. 
God  is  very  kind  to  me,  a  poor  sinner.  Last  night, 
in  examining  how  I  live,  I  saw  that  I  have  the  form 
of  religion,  but  that  I  want  more  of  the  spirit  and 
power  of  it.  The  Lord  give  them  !  Being  last  night 
invited  to  assist  at  the  administration  of  our  Lord's 
Supper,  in  Pine  Street  Church,  I  ofiiciated  at  one 
table  and  communed.  It  was  good  to  be  there.  My 
mind  was  collected  and  engaged,  and  transacted,  I 
think,  with  faith.     Oh,  to  be  faithful !" 

November  2.  "  Alas !  how  ungrateful  and  forget- 
ful of  the  mercies  of  God  am  I !  Am  I  afflicted  or 
in  want,  I  go  to  my  heavenly  Father,  and  ask  him 
to  supply  my  wants,  or  to  grant  me  deliverance.  He 
heareth  me;  I  receive  a  deliverance  or  a  supply. 
But  ah,  how  soon  I  forget  the  mercy  of  God !  how 
often  I  forget  to  give  thanks !  I  am  ashamed  of  my 
ingratitude  and  neglect  of  thankfulness.  I  am 
ashamed  to  appear  before  God  and  ask  him  for  more 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  119 

favours;  but  he  is  boundless  in  mercy,  and  com- 
mands me  to  come  and  ask  wbat  I  will.  Hence  I  go 
to  bis  throne  still,  and  ask  what  I  need.  Blessed  be 
God!  O  Lord,  pardon  mj  ingratitude,  and  make 
me  thankful !" 

He  learns  from  Dr.  Green  that  religion  seems  more 
encouraging  in  its  aspects,  and  that  some  give  evi- 
dence of  increasing  interest  in  the  concerns  of  their 
souls.  His  preaching  is  blessed  in  cases  of  which  he 
hears;  his  soul  rejoices,  and  his  fervent  prayer  is 
that  these  hopeful  appearances  may  not  be  like  the 
morning  cloud,  or  the  early  dew,  but  that  all  may 
issue  in  earnest  godliness  and  real  religion.  The 
ordinance  of  the  Supper  drew  nigh,  and  he  subjects 
his  soul  to  the  usual  scrutiny  and  examination — 
inquires  whether  he  is  growing  in  grace,  and  humbly 
concludes  that  he  is  growing  in  conformity  to  his 
Master.  But  he  begs  for  clearer  evidence,  and  for 
rapid  growth.  The  service  was  pleasant  and  precious. 
His  soul  went  out  in  prayer  for  his  people  and  his 
family  in  much  emotion.  He  blesses  God  for  all  the 
faith  he  had  in  exercise,  and  begs  for  more. 

November  23.  "  I  felt  the  bad  effects  of  want  of 
watchfulness,  with  respect  to  my  temper  and  conver- 
sation, last  Sabbath,  after  the  Sacrament.  Had  I 
been  more  careful  of  preserving  the  frame  of  mind 
which  I  had  at  the  Lord's  table,  I  should  probably 
have  enjoyed  more  comfort  last  week.  The  Lord 
graciously  pardon  my  neglect,  and  make  me  more 
watchful  in  time  to  come !" 

His  people  at  last  yielded  him  tardy  justice,  and 


120  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

increased  Ws  salary.  He  receives  it  as  from  God, 
and  tliougli  inadequate  to  his  expenses,  lie  will  freely 
use  other  means  to  discharge  his  work  as  a  minister. 
He  can  now  gratify  his  desire  and  increase  his  chari- 
ties. He  again  admires  the  Divine  wisdom  which, 
by  permitting  his  income  to  be  so  far  short,  had 
schooled  him  into  prudent  habits,  and  thus  prepared 
him  to  exercise  moderation  in  all  things. 

Sabbath,  December  6.  "This  day  my  heart  has 
been  cold.  I  preached  with  little  comfort  and  fer- 
vour. In  my  afternoon  prayer,  I  was  assisted.  My 
soul  felt  humbled,  and  I  mourned  before  God.  This 
evening  I  spent  in  meditation  a  comfortable  hour.  I 
examined  my  views  in  entering  on  the  ministry, 
lamented  my  want  of  life  and  zeal,  and  mourned  over 
the  little  success  attending  my  ministry,  pitied  and 
prayed  for  my  people." 

Sabbath,  January  4,  1807.  ''By  the  blessing  of 
God,  I  have  been  preserved  through  another  year. 
I  owe  thanks  to  him  for  all  the  blessings  received, 
and  ask  forgiveness  for  all  the  sins  committed  through 
the  last  year.  May  the  present  be  spent,  if  I  be 
preserved  through  it,  more  to  the  glorj^  of  God  than 
the  last !  May  I  become  more  humble,  more  watch- 
ful, more  dependent,  more  obedient,  more  exemplary ! 
I  have  been  reading  Eomaine's  Life  of  Faith,  and 
find  I  do  not  live  by  faith  as  much  as  I  ought,  nor 
derive  enough  grace  from  Jesus  Christ.  The  Lord 
enable  me  to  live  by  faith  on  Jesus  Christ !  May  I 
be  made  sensible  of  my  manifold  wants,  and  go  with 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  121 

all  boldness  and  confidence  to  my  covenant  Head  for 
supply !" 

With  Dr.  Green's  loss  of  his  wife  at  this  time,  he 
deeply  sympathized.  He  prays  that  he  may  be  sup- 
ported ;  and  he  wrote  a  well-expressed  memorial  of 
her  virtues  and  excellencies,  which  he  published  in 
one  of  the  periodicals  of  the  day.  In  his  affliction 
he  was  afflicted ;  and  we  recur  to  it  here  as  manifest- 
ing the  unabating  friendship  which  existed  between 
these  pastors,  and  the  filial  and  paternal  kindness 
ever  interchanged.  It  increased  his  labours ;  but  he 
did  not  shrink  from  labour.  If  he  had  any  regret 
at  all,  it  was  that  it  might  trench  on  his  studies, 
which  he  wished  to  pursue  to  fit  him  for  future  use- 
fulness. Thoughts  of  his  own  unworthiness  crowd 
upon  his  mind,  and  he  feels  like  fleeing  from  the 
presence  of  his  people;  and  then  hearing  a  godly 
man  express  himself  as  edified,  he  takes  comfort  in 
the  reflection  that,  under  God,  success  does  not 
depend  on  the  feelings  of  the  preacher.  ''What  toil 
must  it  be  for  an  ungodly  man  to  preach  who  feels 
not  the  influence  of  the  truth  which  he  delivers !" 

''On  Saturday  evening,  after  speaking  on  the 
original  dignity  of  our  Redeemer,  and  the  depth  of 
his  humiliation,  I  was  much  assisted  in  prayer  and 
praise  to  him.  He  is  praised  by  the  highest  order 
of  intellectual  beings,  and  he  is  infinitely  worthy  to 
receive  the  praise  of  men.  Praise  him,  0  my  soul !" 
His  great  desire,  it  is  evident  from  his  journal,  was 
to  obtain  benefit  from  what  he  preached — to  feed  on 
the  bread  he  broke  to  others.     This,  which  ministers 


122  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

find  so  difficult  amid  the  temptations  to  a  mere 
perfunctory  performance  of  duty,  lie  seemed  to 
accomplish,  and  meekly  to  feed  on  the  truth  by 
which  the  people  of  God  were  edified.  When 
hearing  others  preach,  he  watches  his  heart,  lest 
unworthy  motives  should  intrude.  His  desire  is  to 
praise  God  for  any  endowments  conferred  on  others, 
and  unfeignedly  to  rejoice  in  their  successes.  That 
he  was  not  perfect,  he  confesses;  but  that  he  was 
freer  from  envy  and  its  consequent  spirit  of  detrac- 
tion than  ministers  ordinarily,  those  who  knew  him 
best  will  testify.  The  least  appearance  of  it  gives 
him  pain.  He  prays  for  deliverance,  and  that  on  the 
cross  of  his  Redeemer  he  may  crucify  it,  and  that 
by  grace  from  his  exalted  Lord  he  may  sincerely, 
afiectionately,  and  thankfully  rejoice  in  gifts  con- 
ferred on  others. 

May  8.  ''  I  feel  my  insufficiency  for  my  ministerial 
office  and  station;  and  yet  how  often  I  feel  pride 
working  in  my  breast !  What  a  contradiction  is  my 
wicked  heart !  Oh,  that  I  might  have  an  eye  single 
to  the  glory  of  God,  and  that  I  could  trust  more  to 
his  aid!  Give  me,  O  Lord  God,  more  faith  and 
humility  1  What  little  freedom  I  have  in  religious 
conversation !  The  Lord  grant  me  more  liberty  of 
speech,  and  enable  me  to  improve,  with  more  fidelity, 
every  opportunity  for  doing  good !" 

Sabbath,  May  24.  ''  This  day  I  commemorated  the 
Saviour's  dying  love.  It  was  a  pleasant  season. 
The  discourse  by  Dr.  Miller  was  animating.  His 
subject  was  the  society  of  heaven.     I  felt  and  was 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  123 

comforted;  I  felt  a  desire  to  depart,  and  be  with 
Christ,  and  mingle  with  the  holy  inhabitants  of 
heaven.  At  the  table  I  was  enabled  to  transact  in 
faith,  and  had  devout  affections  in  exercise.  Tears 
ran  down  my  cheeks.  Blessed  be  God  for  meeting 
with  me!  though  my  preparation,  owing  to  numer- 
ous demands  on  my  time,  was  very  imperfect.  I 
felt  dull  when  I  went  to  church,  but  God  was  better 
than  my  fears." 

June  14.  "  I  feel  at  times  very  cold.  The  Lord 
make  my  heart  warm,  and  fill  it  with  fervent  love. 
Unbelief,  pride,  selfishness,  envy,  languor,  want  of 
zeal,  I  daily  lament,  and  pray  for  a  stronger  faith, 
more  humility,  meekness,  and  gentleness,  more  zeal, 
fervour,  gratitude,  and  more  disinterestedness,  that 
I  may  rejoice  in  the  gifts,  and  graces,  and  honours 
of  others !  Oh,  for  more  grace !  I  feel  my  insuf- 
ficiency as  a  preacher  and  a  minister ;  but  I  look  up 
to  God,  my  all-sufficient  aid,  that  he  may  teach  me 
a  more  simple  dependence  on  his  grace  and  Spirit ! 
Fervent  piety,  how  much  I  need  it !" 

Sabbath,  June  28.  "Through  the  week  I  have 
enjoyed  some  degree  of  freedom  and  comfort  in  my 
prayers ;  but  I  am  still  troubled  at  night  with  drow- 
siness, which  very  much  mars  my  devotion.  Oh,  to 
be  delivered  from  this  evil !  On  Friday  evening  I 
was  assisted  in  speaking  from  John  vi.  44 — '  No  man 
can  come,'  &c. ;  and  again  this  day,  both  in  the 
morning  and  afternoon,  I  had  enlargement  and 
freedom  in  discoursing  from  Gen.  v.  24 — 'Enoch 
walked  with  God.'     I  thank  and  praise  him  for  his 


122  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

find  so  difficult  amid  tlie  temptations  to  a  mere 
perfunctory  performance  of  duty,  lie  seemed  to 
accomplish,  and  meekly  to  feed  on  the  truth  by 
which  the  people  of  God  were  edified.  When 
hearing  others  preach,  he  watches  his  heart,  lest 
unworthy  motives  should  intrude.  His  desire  is  to 
praise  God  for  any  endowments  conferred  on  others, 
and  unfeignedly  to  rejoice  in  their  successes.  That 
he  was  not  perfect,  he  confesses;  but  that  he  was 
freer  from  envy  and  its  consequent  spirit  of  detrac- 
tion than  ministers  ordinarily,  those  who  knew  him 
best  will  testify.  The  least  appearance  of  it  gives 
him  pain.  He  prays  for  deliverance,  and  that  on  the 
cross  of  his  Redeemer  he  may  crucify  it,  and  that 
by  grace  from  his  exalted  Lord  he  may  sincerely, 
affectionately,  and  thankfully  rejoice  in  gifts  con- 
ferred on  others. 

May  8.  "  I  feel  my  insufficiency  for  my  ministerial 
office  and  station;  and  yet  how  often  I  feel  pride 
working  in  my  breast !  What  a  contradiction  is  my 
wicked  heart !  Oh,  that  I  might  have  an  eye  single 
to  the  glory  of  God,  and  that  I  could  trust  more  to 
his  aid !  Give  me,  O  Lord  God,  more  faith  and 
humility !  What  little  freedom  I  have  in  religious 
conversation !  The  Lord  grant  me  more  liberty  of 
speech,  and  enable  me  to  improve,  with  more  fidelity, 
every  opportunity  for  doing  good  I" 

Sabbath,  May  24.  ''  This  day  I  commemorated  the 
Saviour's  dying  love.  It  was  a  pleasant  season. 
The  discourse  by  Dr.  Miller  was  animating.  His 
subject  was  the  society  of  heaven.     I  felt  and  was 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  123 

comforted;  I  felt  a  desire  to  depart,  and  be  with 
Christ,  and  mingle  with  the  holy  inhabitants  of 
heaven.  At  the  table  I  was  enabled  to  transact  in 
faith,  and  had  devout  affections  in  exercise.  Tears 
ran  down  my  cheeks.  Blessed  be  God  for  meeting 
with  me !  though  my  preparation,  owing  to  numer- 
ous demands  on  my  time,  was  very  imperfect.  I 
felt  dull  when  I  went  to  church,  but  God  was  better 
than  my  fears." 

June  14.  "  I  feel  at  times  very  cold.  The  Lord 
make  my  heart  warm,  and  fill  it  with  fervent  love. 
Unbelief,  pride,  selfishness,  envy,  languor,  want  of 
zeal,  I  daily  lament,  and  pray  for  a  stronger  faith, 
more  humility,  meekness,  and  gentleness,  more  zeal, 
fervour,  gratitude,  and  more  disinterestedness,  that 
I  may  rejoice  in  the  gifts,  and  graces,  and  honours 
of  others !  Oh,  for  more  grace !  I  feel  my  insuf- 
ficiency as  a  preacher  and  a  minister ;  but  I  look  up 
to  God,  my  all-sufficient  aid,  that  he  may  teach  me 
a  more  simple  dependence  on  his  grace  and  Spirit ! 
Fervent  piety,  how  much  I  need  it !" 

Sabbath,  June  28.  "Through  the  week  I  have 
enjoyed  some  degree  of  freedom  and  comfort  in  my 
prayers ;  but  I  am  still  troubled  at  night  with  drow- 
siness, which  very  much  mars  my  devotion.  Oh,  to 
be  delivered  from  this  evil !  On  Friday  evening  I 
was  assisted  in  speaking  from  John  vi.  44 — '  ISTo  man 
can  come,'  &;c.;  and  again  this  day,  both  in  the 
morning  and  afternoon,  I  had  enlargement  and 
freedom  in  discoursing  from  Gen.  v.  24 — 'Enoch 
walked  with  God.'     I  thank  and  praise  him  for  his 


124  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JAI^EWAY. 

assistance!  I  am  enabled,  with  respect  to  my 
preaching,  to  look  to  God  for  aid.  I  trust,  I  say, 
God  will  help — and  he  does  help." 

Sabbath,  July  19.  ''On  account  of  my  conduct  at 
the  last  meeting  of  Presbytery,  I  have  been,  as  I  am 
informed,  much  censured.  But  as  I  conceived  that 
what  I  did  was  duty,  and,  in  review  of  it,  still  think 
so,  my  meditation  on  Scripture  has  been  conducted 
with  a  view  of  strengthening  my  mind,  that  I  may 
fully  adopt  the  language  of  Paul :  '  With  me  it  is  a 
little  thing  to  be  judged  of  man's  judgment ;  he  that 
judgeth  me  is  the  Lord.'  May  God  raise  me  above 
the  smiles,  and  frowns,  and  praises  and  censures  of 
mortals,  and  make  me  solicitous  to  approve  myself 
to  his  all-searching  eye!" 

July  26,  Sabbath.  "This  day  I  preached  on 
Christian  humihty.  Oh,  how  I  need  this  grace! 
Pride  still  cleaves  to  me,  and  operates  in  a  thousand 
ways.  But  1  think  I  have  reason  to  bless  God  that 
I  have  gained  some  victories  over  pride,  and  grown 
in  humility.  This  has  for  a  long;  time  constituted 
one  of  my  daily  petitions.  The  Lord  answer  the 
many  supplications  I  have  offered  on  this  point !" 

The  recurrence  of  a  communion  season  revealed, 
in  the  examination  of  the  candidates  before  the 
session,  that  some  of  them  traced  their  seriousness 
to  his  preaching.  His  soul  rejoices  and  is  glad  to 
be  thus  honoured  by  his  gracious  Lord.  To  be 
useful  in  the  conversion  of  souls  had  ever  been  the 
desire  of  his  heart ;  and  any  evidence  of  success 
afibrded  was  gratefully  hailed;    and  we  doubt  not 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  125 

tliat,  ere  this,  in  glory,  he  has  met  many  who  are  the 
stars  of  a  rejoicing  crown.  The  additions  to  the 
Second  Church  in  Philadelphia  were  steady;  and 
though  there  were  not  vouchsafed  those  seasons  of 
mighty  in-gathering  with  which  other  churches  were 
favoured,  yet  it  may  be  added  there  were  none  of 
those  periods  of  reacting  coldness  which,  alas !  have 
followed  great  and  extensive  revivals  Religion  was 
regular  in  its  influence  in  that  church.  ''They 
walked  in  the  fear  of  God  and  the  comfort  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  were  edified."  At  the  same  time  he 
was  watchful  over  his  own  heart.  Was  he  growing  in 
grace  ?  He  felt  the  difiiculty  of  deciding,  arising  from 
the  inability  to  recall  past  experiences,  and  compare 
them  with  his  present  state.  The  believer  finds  it 
hard  to  arrest  the  fleeting  emotions  of  the  soul,  and 
place  them  in  such  a  position  as  to  be  able  tb  judge 
of  them.  He  arrives  at  the  conclusion  of  growth  in 
grace  by  being  made  sensible  of  greater  conformity 
to  the  standard  of  the  Holy  Word.  His  desires  are 
for  this  growth ;  and  the  anxieties  of  his  heart  will 
not  be  calmed  till  some  answer  of  peace  has  been 
obtained. 

September  20.  "  In  consequence  of  not  lodging  in 
my  own  house  for  a  while  past,  my  devotions  have 
not  been  performed  as  regularly  as  usual ;  hence  my 
heart  has  felt  cold,  and  my  affections  languid.  But 
God,  I  trust,  is  restoring  my  soul  to  its  wonted  state 
This  day,  in  preaching,  I  felt  engaged;  and  on 
hearing  read  some  remarkable  displays  of  grace,  my 
heart  was  melted.  Oh,  that  I  were  more  engaged ! 
11 


126  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY. 

Oh,  that  I  had  a  warmer  zeal  and  more  fervent  love ! 
Oh,  how  easy  would  it  be  for  me  to  preach,  and  how 
delightful,  if  my  heart  were  more  engaged  !  I  envy 
the  attainment  of  that  poor  servant-maid  who  said 
that  she  had  for  thirty  years  loved  God  so  much  that^ 
in  order  to  love  him  more,  it  was  necessary  for  her 
to  leave  the  present  state,  and  go  into  one  more 
perfect." 

Sabbath,  October  4.  ''I  give  thanks  to  God  for 
assistance  this  day.  After  the  morning  service,  I 
felt  a  little  discouraged  with  the  idea  that  my  dis- 
course was  not  calculated  to  do  good.  I  asked 
myself  whether  it  was  not,  and  could  not  but  believe 
that  the  subject  was  highly  important,  and  that  I 
had  handled  it  rightly.  However,  my  reflections 
gave  rise  to  some  improvements,  which  I  used  in  the 
afternoon  (at  the  other  church),  when  I  delivered  it 
with  more  freedom  and  comfort." 

He  had  now  adopted  the  plan  of  preaching  with- 
out writing.  His  sermons  were  thought  out  care- 
fully ;  and  with  the  help  of  a  brief,  or  short  notes,  he 
was  enabled  to  deliver  them  with  comfort  to  himself 
and  edification  to  his  hearers.  He  did  it  to  save 
more  time  for  reading  and  expanding  the  range  of 
his  studies.  He  ever  made  a  conscience  of  diligent 
and.  careful  preparation  for  the  pulpit,  and  even 
when  long  and  successful  practice  enabled  him 
to  dispense  with  writing  at  all,  he  never  preached,  if 
time  was  allowed  at  all,  without  previous  meditation 
and  protracted  reflection.  Possessing  very  consider- 
able  powers  of  abstraction,  he   could  collect   and 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JAN'EWAY.  127 

arrange  liis  tliouglits,  even  in  the  midst  of  his  family, 
while  walking  to  and  fro  across  the  floor. 

A  journey  of  some  extent  for  those  days  of  slow 
progress  in  stage-coaches  was  accomplished  safely; 
and  he  records  his  gratitude  to  the  goodness  of  God. 
But  beside  the  benefit  to  health,  a  strong  motive  iu 
undertaking  the  journey  was  to  have  an  opportunity 
of  beholding  a  great  and  glorious  revival  of  religion 
then  in  progress  in  Newark,  New  Jersey,  where  he 
had  an  opportunity  of  preaching  to  a  people  thus 
wrought  upon  by  the  Spirit  of  Grod.  Two  hundred  and 
more  were  awakened  to  their  lost  estate,  and  many  of 
them  cherished  a  blessed  hope  of  mercy  through  the 
Lamb  of  God.  It  was,  he  felt,  good  to  be  there,  and 
to  hear  from  Dr.  Griffin  an  account  of  its  rise  and 
progress.  He  traced  it  to  praying-societies,  which 
gathered  on  Sabbath  morning  to  implore  a  blessing 
on  the  word.  With  his  heart  full,  and  desirious  to 
impart  to  his  own  flock  some  spiritual  gift,  he 
preached,  on  his  return,  from  the  passage,  "  Brethren, 
pray  for  us !"  and  urged  upon  them  the  glorious 
example  of  the  people  at  Newark.  His  own  prayers 
were  quickened ;  he  pleads  with  God  to  pour  out  his 
spirit  on  his  own  flock,  and  to  gladden  his  eyes  with 
sights  as  glorious  as  those  which  he  had  beheld 
elsewhere.  ''  My  soul,  wait  on  God !"  is  his  demand 
to  his  anxious  heart.     He  writes : 

'^My  visit  to  Newark  has  been  beneficial  to  me.  I 
went  to  see  the  great  work  of  God  there,  with  a  view 
to  receive  a  blessing.  Since  then,  I  have  felt  some- 
what revived ;  my  prayers  have  been  more  earnest, 


128  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY. 

especially  for  a  revival  of  religion  among  my  people, 
and  in  my  own  soul.  My  prayers  were  animated  and 
fervent  the  last  week,  in  a  degree.  My  soul  seems 
to  be  led  ont  in  desires  for  a  revival  of  religion. 
Oil,  for  increasing  desires  and  more  fervent  prayers ! 
Several  praying  societies  have,  I  am  informed,  been 
set  up  among  our  people.  The  Lord  multiply  them, 
and  pour  out  upon  them  a  spirit  of  prayer  and 
supplication !" 

He  mentions  the  case  of  a  gentleman,  who  was 
awakened  by  hearing  the  name  of  his  wife  pro- 
pounded for  the  communion  of  the  church.  So 
poignant  and  distinct  was  his  conviction,  that  in  the 
course  of  a  week  he  obtained  deliverance,  and  was 
praising  and  glorifying  God.  He  afterwards  became 
an  elder  in  that  church,  and  after  an  active  and  con- 
sistent life,  died  in  the  faith  and  hope  of  the  gospel. 
The  sacrament  administered  at  that  time,  so  eventful 
in  the  history  of  one  redeemed  soul,  as  just 
mentioned,  was  pleasant  to  the  subject  of  this 
memoir.  He  records  his  comfortable  exercises, 
before  and  at  the  ordinance.  The  attendance  was 
larger  than  usual,  and  the  people  of  God  were  pray- 
ing for  a  refreshing  from  on  high.  A  goodly 
number  were  added  to  the  fold  of  the  Saviour,  by 
the  profession  of  their  faith.  His  soul  is  encouraged, 
and  he  hopes  soon  to  see  from  the  heavenly  windows, 
showers  of  mercy  to  descend.  With  groanings 
that  could  not  be  uttered,  he  lay  before  the  mercy 
seat.  His  feelings  were  too  strong  for  expression  in 
words.     He  hears  more  of  the  efiect  of  the  sermon 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  129 

he  preaclied^  on  his  return  from  ISTewark.  Praying 
circles  were  increasing,  and  he  praises  God,  the  Giver 
of  every  good  and  perfect  gift.  ^My  prayers  in 
general  are  more  fervent  than  they  were.  I  am 
looking  and  praying  for  a  revival.  An  expectation 
of  an  approaching  blessing  seems  to  be  excited  in 
the  minds  of  some  of  our  people,  and  many,  I  trust, 
are  praying  for  it.  Oh!  Lord  God,  bestow  it  for 
Christ's  sake — Amen." 

December  13.  "  In  the  latter  part  of  the  week,  my 
mind  became  too  anxious  with  regard  to  my  studies. 
Oh !  that  God  would  teach  me  how  to  study ;  that 
he  would  give  persevering,  yet  patient  diligence; 
that  he  may  dispose  me,  amidst  my  pursuits,  to 
attend  to  the  cultivation  of  my  heart.  I  feel  too,  the 
working  of  evil  temper,  inclining  to  anger.  I  endeav 
oured  to  resist  it.  My  soul  felt  at  a  distance 
from  God.  I  mourned  over  it,  and  prayed.  God 
heard  my  prayer.  This  evening  has  been  com- 
fortable. Last  evening  I  was  meditating  how  to  do 
more  for  God.  Could  I  rise  earlier ;  had  I  more 
freedom  to  improve  opportunities,  and  did  I  feel 
more  fervent  in  spirit,  I  might  do  more  for  God. 
God  grant  it,  for  Christ's  sake — Amen." 

A  degree  of  interest  was  prevailing  in  the  congre- 
gation, and  though  it  did  not  justify,  perhaps,  the 
use  of  the  word  revival,  nor  would  compare  with  the 
marvels  of  mercy  at  Newark,  yet  it  gave  him  en- 
couragement, and  caused  him  to  sing  of  mercy.  In 
looking  over  the  people,  he  could  find  twenty-four 
who  had  not  yet  united  with  the  church,  and  were 
11* 


132  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

unimpressible  and  cold.  I  looked  to  God  for  His 
grace.  My  heart  began  to  soften  before  the  Psalm 
was  concluded.  Under  the  lecture  from  Phil.  iii.  7 
and  9  ''What  things  were  gain,"  &c.,  I  felt  consider- 
ably affected,  and  in  singing  the  last  hymn,  my 
heart  melted  within  me,  and  in  the  act  of  dedication, 
with  which  it  concluded,  my  heart  said — Amen, 
amen.  My  comfortable  frame  continued  through 
Saturday.  I  observed  the  workings  of  my  affec- 
tions in  order  to  discover  their  nature.  The  result 
is,  that  they  are  excited  by  a  view  of  evangelical 
truth,  and  had  manifestly  a  tendency  to  humble  me, 
to  excite  my  desire  after  holiness.  I  pleaded  earn- 
estly with  God,  that  I  might  not  live  at  so  dull  a  rate 
any  longer ;  but  that  my  soul  might  be  quickened, 
animated  with  fervent  love  and  zeal,  and  that  I 
might  live  in  communion  with  him.  To-day  I  had 
not  those  melting  exercises,  which  I  had  on  Friday 
evening,  and  on  Saturday.  But  I  have  reason  to 
think  that  my  Saviour  helped  me  both  parts  of  the 
day,  in  speaking  on  his  exaltation  at  his  Father's 
right  hand.  Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul.  Mr.  G — , 
I  hope,  has  become  a  Christian,  and  his  late  sick- 
ness has  been  remarkably  sanctified  to  his  soul. 
Thank  God." 

Sabbath,  February  14.  ''With  gratitude  and 
praise  to  God,  I  record  that  an  addition  of  twenty 
persons,  nineteen  on  examination,  has  beeri,  made  to 
our  church.  This  is  by  far  the  largest  that  has 
been  made  since  my  settlement.     Oh  I  that  it  may 


LIFE   OF   DK.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  133 

be  tlie  first  fruits  of  a  glorious  revival !     Grant  it,  O 
Lord  God,  for  Christ's  sake — Amen." 

He  records  with  grateful  expressions,  the  fact 
revealed  in  the  examination  of  the  candidates  that, 
in  many  cases,  his  preaching  had  been  blessed  in 
their  conversion,  and  it  cheered  him,  who  was  so 
modest  in  his  self-appreciation,  that  his  Divine 
Master  was  blessing  his  ministry,  and  giving  him 
souls  for  his  hire. 

February  21,  Sabbath.  "This  day  I  commemo- 
rated the  dying  love  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  My  heart 
was  cold  as  I  went  to  church,  and  remained  so 
during  the  sermon.  However,  the  language  of  my 
heart  was,  'I  will  go  and  give  this  cold  heart  to 
Jesus,  my  Lord,  and  though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I 
put  my  trust  in  him.'  At  the  table  I  received  help, 
and  was  enabled  to  transact  in  faith,  and  with  confi- 
dence, to  take  Jesus  to  be  my  Saviour,  and  give 
myself  away  to  him.  I  received  the  bread,  as  his 
body,  broken  for  me,  and  the  wine  as  his  blood,  shed 
for  me.  Although  I  enjoyed  but  little  sensible  com- 
fort, and  no  high  emotion  of  joy,  yet  now  and  then  a 
thought  would  dart  for  a  moment  across  my  mind, 
which  excited  a  sudden  and  strong  emotion.  Toward 
the  close  of  the  sacramental  service  I  was  enabled 
to  plead  earnestly  with  God  in  prayer,  for  various 
blessings  I  needed,  and  present  my  petitions  with 
strong  emotions  of  soul,  though  attended  with  but 
little  sensible  pleasure.  My  petitions  respected 
growth  in  grace,  in  faith,  courage,  humility,  love, 
gratitude,   zeal,   activity,    furniture    for   my   office, 


134  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

success  in  tlie  ministry,  my  colleague,  family,  my 
parents,  my  country,  tlie  cliurcli  and  the  world; 
I  pleaded  the  covenant  engagement,  on  the  part  of 
God,  that  he  would  put  his  Spirit  within  me,  write 
his  laws  on  my  heart,  and  put  his  fear  in  it,  that  I 
might  not  depart  from  him.  I  record  that  I  enjoyed 
the  presence  of  my  Lord  Jesus  at  his  table,  working 
in  my  heart  by  his  Holy  Spirit.  This  afternoon  I 
felt  not  so  comfortable  as  I  expected,  and  the  reason 
I  take  to  be  the  secret  working  of  pride.  This 
enemy  frequently  spoils  my  comfort.  When  shall 
it  be  slain,  O  my  Saviour,  God?" 

Sabbath,  March  6.  '^I  have  long  been  praying 
for  a  revival,  but  feel  not  that  vigour  of  zeal,  and 
ardour  of  love  which  I  desire.  But  O  my  soul, 
faint  not,  for  God  is  the  hearer  of  prayer,  and  he 
will  in  due  time,  hear  thine.  Eemember  the  woman 
of  Canaan,  who  persevered  through  opposing  dis- 
couragements, and  at  last  obtained  a  precious  com- 
mendation of  her  faith,  and  an  answer  to  her  request. 
I  have  reason  to  be  thankful  that  my  prayers  are 
not  so  distracted  with  unseasonable  thoughts  as 
formerly.  I  think  I  am  more  animated,  and  more 
engaged  in  preaching  than  I  was  before ;  and  for 
this  also,  I  give  thanks  to  God.  I  feel,  that  when  it 
pleases  God  to  give  me  enlargement  in  preaching, 
I  am  apt  to  be  too  much  raised  in  my  feelings ;  this 
is  wicked  pride ;  and  I  find  that  when  it  pleases  Him 
to  withhold  freedom  of  utterance,  I  am  too  much 
depressed ;  this  is  wicked  unbelief  The  Lord  in- 
crease my  faith,  and  bring  down  my  pride." 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  135 

Marcb.  15.  ''This  day  I  received  a  letter 
from  Eev.  Mr.  Huntington,  of  Litchfield,  Conn., 
giving  me  an  account  of  a  glorious  revival  in  his 
congregation.  He  informed  me  that  his  people,  and 
several  others,  were  to  meet  in  the  afternoon  and 
evening  of  this  day,  to  unite  in  prayer  to  God,  for 
the  effusion  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  extension  of 
his  work ;  and  invited  me,  if  I  thought  proper,  to 
unite.  Alas  I  my  cold  heart  felt  reluctance.  The 
letter  came  too  late  to  mention  it  to  my  people  ;  but 
at  the  suggestion  of  my  wife,  I  retired  to  my 
chamber  this  evening,  and  united  with  them. 
Blessed  be  God,  I  trust  I  can  say,  it  was  a  comfort- 
able time  to  my  soul.  I  was  enabled  to  offer  my 
prayer  with  feeling,  affection,  fervency  and  faith. 
How  much  I  need  a  revival  I  I  am  seeking  it ;  but, 
alas !  with  too  little  fervency.  Oh !  could  I  hunger 
and  thirst  after  righteousness,  I  should  be  filled. 
This  evening  in  meditating,  I  thought  I  had  reason 
to  conclude  that  I  was  somewhat  revived.  I  am 
manifestly  more  animated  in  preaching.  I  have 
greater  desires  for  a  revival  than  I  had,  and  I 
pray  more  fervently  for  it,  in  my  own  soul,  and 
among  my  people.  We  contemplate  a  private  fast, 
accompanied  with  prayer,  for  a  revival,  in  a  few  of  our 
churches  in  this  city.  May  God  prepare  our  hearts 
for  it,  and  enable  us  to  pray  in  faith,  and  with  holy 
prevailing  importunity. 

April  5.  ''This  day  has  been  observed  as  a  day 
of  private  fasting  and  humiliation,  by  a  number  in 
the  Presbyterian  congregations.      My  prayers  were 


136  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

not  as  free  as  I  could  wish ;  but,  imperfect  as  tlaey 
were,  the  Lord,  I  hope,  will  hear  them,  through 
Jesus,  our  Intercessor.  The  Lord  meet  with  us 
this  evening,  when  we  assemble  for  public  united 
prayer  for  a  revival,  and  the  object  for  which  we 
have  prayed  in  secret." 

Amid  the  pressure  of  his  parochial  cares,  and  his 
earnest  labours  for  a  revived  condition  in  the  spiri- 
tual affections  of  his  people,  he  appears  to  have 
found  leisure  to  study,  with  a  view  to  publication. 
There  is  no  mention  of  this  in  his  journal,  but  it 
appears  from  a  characteristic  letter  from  his  vener- 
able and  venerated  teacher  in  theology — Kev.  Dr. 
Livingston. 

New  York,  March  24tli,  1808. 

My  very  Dear  and  Eespected  Friend  : 

It  gave  me  singular  satisfaction  to  find  from 
your  acceptable  letter  of  the  10th  inst.,  that  you  em- 
ploy your  leisure  moments  in  reading  and  digesting 
subjects  beyond  the  ordinary  line  of  parochial 
labours.  Such  excursions  not  only  invigorate  the 
mind,  which  delights  in  variety,  but  increases  the 
stock  of  knowledge,  and  is  always  useful  in  a  dexter- 
ous hand,  and  applicable  to  both  doctrinal  and 
practical  points,  however  foreign  and  detached  at 
first  view  they  may  seem.  I  have  long  wished  that 
you  would  fix  upon  some  subject,  and  manufacture 
it  for  the  public  eye.  In  younger  life  these  exer- 
tions ought  to  be  made,  while  vigour  prompts  to 
diligence,  and  the  caution  of  advanced  years  is  not 
superintending  the  work,  and  paralysing  the  progress 
of  aspiring  genius. 

In  the  choice  of  topics,  the  whole  field  of  doctrines 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  137 

is  before  you ;  from  tliese,  you  might  select  such  as 
may  be  safely  explained  and  fully  proved  by  that 
class  of  arguments  which,  I  am  sure,  are  well  known 
and  familiar  to  you ;  or,  what  relates  to  the  experi- 
ence of  the  Lord's  people,  and  constitutes  some 
interesting  chapters  in  practical  Theology,  can  be 
brought  forward  in  some  new  form  and  striking  light, 
which  would  prove  beneficial  to  Christians,  and  bring 
their  blessing  upon  their  author.  Prophetical  points 
are  the  most  difiicult  of  all  others.  The  precise 
meaning  of  the  prediction  must  be  ascertained,  and 
from  the  scope  of  the  prophet,  proved  to  be  the  very 
thing  he  intended.  If  it  refers  to  something  already 
accomplished,  the  event  must  be  substantiated  from 
authentic  history,  and  its  exact  coincidence,  as  to 
time  or  leading  circumstances,  with  what  was  fore- 
told, be  shown.  If  it  relates  to  what  is  to  come,  the 
difficulties  are  vastly  increased.  That  it  has  not  yet 
been  fulfilled,  must  be  rendered  evident ;  and  when, 
at  what  time,  as  connected  with  other  events  that  are 
cotemporary,  and  by  what  means  it  will  be  brought 
forward,  and  what  season  the  church  is  justified  in 
expecting  its  accomplishment,  are  all  so  many 
difficult,  but  necessary  appendages  in  handling  such 
a  prediction.  There  are  some  prophecies  which  may 
no  doubt,  be  safely  approached,  and  without  risking 
the  imputation  of  ignorance  or  presumption,  be 
explained,  even  those  which  confessedly  look  forward 
to  future  periods.  But  where  the  data  are  ambigu- 
ous, and  the  key  not  easily  applied,  it  is  most 
prudent  to  abstain  and  wait  until  the  series  of 
providential  events  throws  more  light  upon  the 
word. 

There  is  a  propensity  in  the  human  mind,  not  only 

to  anticipate  what  is  future,  but  to  magnify  what  is 

present.     This  has  led  commentators  of  the  greatest 

name  and  deepest  study,  into  many  errors  and  inex- 

12 


138  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

tricable  difficulties.  Every  generation  considers  the 
events  which  mark  and  distinguish  their  day,  as  the 
most  singular  that  ever  were,  and  the  most  important 
that  ever  will  be  in  the  world ;  hence  the  meaning 
of  prophecy  is  tortured  to  make  it  apply  to 
those  events,  when  subsequent  ages  demonstrate 
the  futility  of  the  application,  and  posterity  wonder 
how  their  fathers  could  be  so  rash  and  mistaken. 
That  Ave  should  be  roused  to  astonishment  at  the 
changes  and  unexpected  revolutions  of  the  present 
day,  is  not  improper ;  and  that  believers  repair 
to  the  sacred  oracles,  and  consult  the  word  of 
prophecy  to  know  what  all  these  things  are,  what 
they  indicate,  and  to  what  goal  they  tend,  is  perfectly 
consistent  and  right.  But  while  clouds  and  dark- 
ness still  surround  the  throne,  and  lour,  heavy  and 
inpenetrable,  upon  the  footsteps  of  Providence,  it 
will  be  safest,  without  anticipation,  to  wait  a  little 
longer.  The  great  drama  is  just  opening.  Neither  the 
world  nor  the  church  has  seen,  as  yet,  the  end, 
nor  the  worst  that  is  impending.  The  Lord  is  his 
own  interpretor ;  he  will  let  his  people  know  what 
he  is  doing,  as  far  as  is  necessary  for  them  ;  and  as 
to  the  residue  they  must  wait,  believe  and  adore. 

Your  ideas  of  the  prophetic  symbol  in  Eev.  xiii. 
may  be  accurate  and  just.  I  know  but  little  of  that 
mysterious  book,  and  cannot,  in  any  decisive  form, 
determine  upon  questions  respecting  the  precise 
object  of  this  prediction.  I  have  never  seen  Kett, 
on  prophecy,  to  whom  you  refer.  What  his  argu- 
ments are,  in  support  of  the  Infidel  beast,  I  do  not 
know ;  but  I  doubt  whether  I  should  consider  them 
sufficient  to  persuade  me  to  subscribe  to  his  hypothe- 
sis. Among  all  the  symbols  in  the  Apocalypse, 
that  of  the  beast,  is  perhaps  the  most  difficult  to 
decipher.  It  often  occurs — a  first  and  second  beast, 
an  image  of  the  beast,  a  beast  wounded  and  healed, 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  139 

a  beast  carrying  an  harlot,  &c.  What  you  remark, 
that  an  image  is  not  the  original  is  self-evident ;  but, 
in  the  symbolical  language,  the  exact  consistence  of 
nature  and  facts  is  not  always  preserved.  The  usual 
comment,  which  is  perhaps  the  most  accurate,  con- 
siders the  beast  in  ail  its  forms,  dissections  and 
imagery,  to  be  but  one  and  the  same  character — one 
and  the  same  antichrist.  We  know  it  is  usual  in 
the  Apocalypse  to  exhibit  an  event  first  in  some 
general  sketch,  and  afterwards  bring  forward  in 
detached  parts  of  the  same  scene,  some  prominent 
features,  and  show  it  in  different  prospects  and 
shades,  that  the  picture  may  be  more  fully  ascertain- 
ed and  clearly  distinguished  from  every  thing  that 
might  be  a  counterfeit.  For  my  own  part,  I  have 
hitherto  contented  myself  respecting  the  symbols  of 
the  Apocalyptical  beasts,  with  considering  the  first 
beast  as  referring  to  imperial  Rome,  and  the  image 
of  the  beasts  to  be  the  papal  power,  who  sits  in  the 
same  place,  usurps  the  same  name,  power,  &c.,  and  is 
the  image  of  the  first.  I  do  not  now  recollect  any 
author,  to  which  upon  the  precise  subject  of  the 
beasts,  I  would  sooner  recommend  you,  than  Durham 
upon  the  Revelation.  In  general  he  is  not  very  accu- 
rate, deep  or  learned  in  the  explanation  of  the  Apoca- 
lypse. His  object  seems  to  have  been  to  make  prac- 
tical observations,  and  many  excellent  ones  are  found 
in  his  book ;  but,  if  you  can  consult  him  upon  those 
chapters  where  the  beasts  occur,  you  will  find  much 
instruction,  and  I  believe  great  satisfaction. 

But  let  not  anything  I  have  now  said,  or  rather, 
not  said,  discourage  you  from  prosecuting  your  plan  of 
condensing  the  ample  materials,  and  preparing  it  for 
the  public.  Only  be  convinced  that  you  understand 
the  real  scope  of  the  prophecy,  that  you  read  the 
symbolic  language  aright,  and  that  you  apply  the 
whole  to  its  true  and  proper  object.  You  will  readily 


140  LITE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  VV AY. 

foresee  that  your  path  will,  in  some  places,  be  rugged, 
in  others  obscure,  and  for  the  most  part,  so  shppery 
and  unsafe,  as  to  require  much  circumspection  and 
care.  When  you  have  digested  it  fully,  it  will  gratify 
me  to  see  it.  Anything  that  I  can  do  to  aid  you  in 
this,  or  any  other  subject  you  may  seize  upon,  is 
unreservedly  at  your  service.  You  know  I  have 
loved  you  many  years  ago ;  and  be  asured  my  sincere 
affection  continues  undiminished  and  unchanged.  I 
have  wrote  with  close  lines  to  put  as  much  as  possi- 
ble in  the  sheet,  but  whether  I  have  communicated  one 
idea  worth  your  receiving,  or  pertinent  to  your  in- 
quiry, I  do  not  know.  The  Lord  sanctify  and  comfort 
you.  Accept  of  our  tender  loves  to  yourself  and 
yours.     I  am,  my  dear  son, 

Totus  tuus, 

J.  H.  LIVINGSTON. 

In  order  to  complete  this  part  of  the  subject,  it 
may  be  proper  to  say  that  Dr.  Janeway  appears  to 
have  written  on  the  subject  of  Prophecy,  always  a 
matter  of  deep  interest  to  him,  as  portending  the 
increase  of  the  Kedeemer's  kingdom.  It  was  not 
that  prurient  curiosity  prompted  him  to  look  into 
hidden  mysteries,  but  as  feeding  his  faith,  which 
rejoiced  in  the  diffusion  of  true  godliness,  and 
the  downfall  of  the  enemies  of  Christ.  He  did  not 
publish,  however,  but  seems  to  have  submitted  his 
manuscript  to  his  aged  and  beloved  friend,  for  his  in- 
spection ;  which  drew  from  him  the  following  letter : 

New  York,  November  22,  1808. 

My  Dear  Friend  : 

With  the  intention  and  expectation  of  putting 
into  your  hand  the  MSS.  you  left  with  me,  I  finished 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  141 

the  reading  of  tliem,  and  meant  to  have  communi- 
cated such  observations  as  occurred ;  but  upon  meet- 
ing your  father,  I  found  you  had  already  departed 
lor  Philadelphia. 

I  made  with  a  pencil,  when  beginning  to  read, 
a  few  verbal  alterations,  which  are  of  no  importance, 
and  I  afterwards  desisted  from  them.  Upon  looking 
over  it  with  attention  you  will  readily  discover  here 
and  there  a  word  which  might  be  altered  for  the 
better;  but  in  general  the  style  is  good,  and  the 
grammar  is  always  pure. 

Upon  the  whole,  I  am  agreeably  disappointed 
with  your  scheme.  It  is  ingenious,  and  I  think  you 
may  safely  publish  it.  You  run  no  risk,  for  behind 
so  many  symbols,  every  interpretation  finds  protec- 
tion, and  may  plead  for  admittance.  One  observa- 
tion alone  that  occurred  I  must  not  forget,  which  is, 
that  it  will  be  proper  for  you,  at  the  outset,  to  ex- 
hibit a  short  and  precise  sketch  of  the  chapter  and 
vision,  ascertaining  the  number  and  the  distinction 
between  the  requisite  symbols.  For  the  want  of 
this,  some  obscurity  arises,  and  among  the  multitude 
of  beasts,  the  reader  can  scarcely  determine  some- 
times, to  which  you  refer.  Bead  it  over  as  a  stranger 
to  the  subject  would  read  it,  and  you  will  readily 
find  the  paragraphs  which  require  a  little  illustra- 
tion, and  which  by  adding  a  few  words,  would  avoid 
all  obscurity,  and  become  very  clear  and  striking. 
Upon  the  whole,  I  consider  it  as  well  digested,  and 
would  recommend  its  publication.  Be  assured 
of  my  love.  The  Lord  comfort  and  bless  you 
and  yours.  We  present  our  kindest  respects, 
and 

I  am  ever  yours,  most  aflfectionale, 

J.  H.  LIVINGSTON. 


12 


* 


142  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

Among  his  papers  was  found  an  extended  manu- 
script on  the  Prophecies  It  is  probable  that 
the  startling  events  transpiring  in  Europe — the 
wonderful  conquests  of  Napoleon — the  captivity  of 
the  Pope,  may  have  tinged  his  interpretation  of  the 
symbols  of  the  Apocalypse,  which  were  changed  by 
the  revolutions  which  followed  each  other  so  rapidly, 
and  spread  confusion  over  views  founded  on  previous 
occurrences.  In  his  most  advanced  years,  he  came 
back  to  these  studies  of  his  youth,  and  found  de- 
lighted occupation  for  his  mind,  in  pondering  the 
visions  of  St.  John,  and  the  downfall  of  the  man  of 
sin. 

May  1,  Sabbath.  "This  day  I  preached  on  the 
great  doctrine  of  imputed  righteousness,  from  Eom. 
V.  18.  The  Lord  carry  the  truth  home  to  the  hearts 
of  my  hearers.  For  a  week  or  more,  I  have  been 
in  a  stupid  frame — my  heart  has  been  cold  and 
dead.  Oh,  for  the  life-giving  spirit  of  my  Lord! 
How  far  beneath  my  privileges — how  far  below  my 
duty  I  live !  Oh,  Lord,  revive  thy  servant,  who 
amid  all  his  infirmities  and  imperfections,  is  devoted 
to  thy  fear !  The  communion  is  approaching.  Oh, 
for  a  comfortable  season!" 

^'During  the  sitting  of  the  General  Assembly, 
owing  to  my  relations  and  friends  lodging  with  me, 
I  was  prevented  from  a  regular  attendance  on  my 
private  duties.  I  could  not  retire  at  the  usual  hour, 
nor  spend  as  much  time  in  meditation  and  prayer  as 
usual.  Hence,  when  they  departed,  and  I  returned 
to  my  accustomed  habits,  I  found  myself  out  of  tune, 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAV.  143 

and  mj  frame  unpleasant.  I  looked  to  God,  and  the 
Lord  heard  me.  I  have  reason  to  thank  God  for  the 
comfortable  tidings  which  were  heard,  concerning 
the  church,  during  the  sessions  of  the  General 
Assembly.     Blessed  be  God  for  visiting  his  church." 

His  former  distrust  about  his  qualifications  for  his 
positon  returned,  and  was  destined  to  affect  him 
more  or  less,  for  years.  He  had  frequent  fears,  as 
to  his  standing  in  the  affections  of  the  people.  He 
wrote  in  his  modesty,  bitter  things  about  himself 
With  the  plainer  people  who  attended  the  church  in 
the  Northern  Liberties,  he  was  assured  of  their 
affectionate  confidence.  He  loved  to  visit  them,  and 
he  loved  to  preach  among  them.  But  with  reference 
to  the  church  in  Arch  Street,  he  was  not  so  assured; 
at  his  call,  he  knew  some  were  indifferent.  They 
imagined  one  minister  was  enough,  and  they  prefered 
Dr.  Green.  He  doubted  whether  these  had  ever 
been  won  over  to  the  affectionate  confidence  which 
was  needful  to  make  his  ministry  edifying.  He  was 
too  conscientious  to  encourage  a  call  from  another 
people,  that  it  might  evoke  such  feeling  as  would 
make  the  matter  clear  to  his  mind ;  and  he  could 
remain  or  depart  as  the  manifestation  might  be. 
^'  The  Lord  direct  my  thoughts — the  Lord  dispose  of 
me  as  he  will.  Oh,  that  I  may  be  all  submission 
and  obedience — content  with  the  allotments  of  his 
Providence." 

Sabbath,  July  16.  "  This  day  I  preached  on  these 
words :  *  And  the  serpent  said  unto  the  woman.  Ye 
shall    not   surely   die"        My   object   was   to   show 


144  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JAXEWAY. 

how,  by  various  reasonings,  Satan  endeavours  to 
weaken  and  destroy  the  faith  of  man,  in  the 
threatenings  of  God.  The  Lord  make  it  seasonable ! 
I  felt  particularly  in  the  afternoon,  somewhat  en- 
gaged. The  affairs  of  our  nation  are  in  a  critical 
state.  My  trust  is  in  the  Lord,  and  to  him  I  commit 
myself,  and  family,  and  property.  When  a  thought 
of  losing  what  my  father  gave  me  in  New  York, 
crosses  my  mind,  my  heart  replies,  '  The  will  of  the 
Lord  be  done.'  How  good  it  is  to  rest  in  God !  "What 
a  comfort !  What  a  relief  form  anxiety !  The  Lord 
increase  my  faith !  Appearances  of  a  revival  rather 
subside.  Oh,  that  God  would  graciously  grant  one  ! 
Oh,  that  I  could  long  more  for  one !" 

August  22.  ''Yesterday  I  partook  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  and  I  trust  it  was  good  to  be  there.  In 
making  preparation,  I  examined  myself  on  various 
points,  particularly  on  my  gracious  state,  and  growth 
in  grace,  reflected  on  my  sins,  and  tried  to  humble 
myself  before  God.  After  examination,  I  concluded 
for  several  reasons,  that  I  was  growing  in  grace.  At 
the  ordinance,  my  mind  was  composed,  and  undis- 
turbed by  wandering  thoughts.  I  believed  Jesus  to  be 
present,  confessed  my  sins  with  sorroAV,  and  regarded 
Him  as  our  great  High  Priest,  offering  sacrifice  for 
them,  and  taking  them  all  away.  I  accepted  him  as 
my  Saviour  and  Lord,  and  gave  myself  away  to  him, 
and  sealed  the  covenant  with  the  sacred  symbols. 
I  prayed  with  freedom  and  faith,  and  with  expecta- 
tion of  being  heard ;  and  I  rejoiced  in  the  blessings 
bestowed  on  me,  and  to  be  bestowed.  On  the  whole,  I 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  145 

think  it  was  a  profitable  season,  in  which.  I  was 
enabled  to  act  faith  in  the  ordinance.  I  bless  God 
for  his  grace,  and  give  him  all  the  praise.  I  thank 
him  for  helping  me  in  preaching." 

Sabbath,  September  4.  '^  The  Lord  has  been 
pleased  to  afiiict  my  dear  colleague.  He  has  been 
very  ill  with  a  fever.  Will  Grod  rebuke  his  disease, 
and  restore  him  to  health !  Oh,  spare  his  valuable 
life !  May  he  be  a  lasting  blessing  to  this  church ! 
My  labour  will  of  course  increase.  May  the  Lord 
stand  by  me,  and  make  his  grace  sufiS.cient  for  me, 
and  his  strength  perfect  in  my  weakness.  "Lo!  I  am 
with  you,  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world," 
said  Jesus  to  his  apostles,  and  through  them,  to  all 
succeeding  ministers.  Lay  hold  of  this  promise,  O 
my  soul,  and  confidently  look  for  its  fulfilment. 
Thursday  next  is  set  apart  as  a  day  of  fasting  and 
humiliation  in  the  Presbyterian  churches.  The 
Lord  prepare  my  heart,  and  that  of  all  my  fellow- 
christians,  for  the  due  observance  of  the  duties  of 
that  day.  Oh,  to  be  enabled  to  humble  ourselves, 
and  to  pray  fervently  for  our  country!  May  our 
cry  come  up  before  the  Lord,  and  prevail  to  save 
our  nation  from  threatening  calamities." 

September  8.  "  This  day,  agreeably  to  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  General  Assembly,  has  been  ob- 
served as  a  day  of  fasting,  humiliation  and  prayer, 
by  the  churches  under  their  care.  The  reason  of  the 
recommendation  was  the  aspect  of  our  national 
affairs.  Alas,  that  so  few  attend  public  worship ! 
But  God  will  hear,  I  hope,  the  prayers  of  the  pious 


146  LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

few.  In  otlier  cliurches,  perhaps  the  day  was  more 
generally  observed.  The  Lord  lend  a  listening  ear, 
and  in  mercy  spare  our  guilty  land.  My  devotions 
in  private  were  comfortable.  I  had  liberty  to 
mourn  with  grief  over  the  sins  of  my  country,  this 
city,  my  family,  my  own,  and  to  ask  forgiveness.  I 
concluded  the  whole  by  renewing  my  covenant.  The 
Lord  accept  of  my  devotions,  and  pardon  the  sins  of 
my  holy  things." 

September  18.  ''In  preaching,  I  felt  this  day 
engaged,  for  which  I  thank  God.  Oh,  that  I  were 
more  engaged !  Although  I  generally  in  prayer  in 
secret,  feel  somewhat  earnest,  yet  I  do  not  feel  so 
fervent  as  I  did  a  little  while  since ;  nor  do  I  seem 
so  concerned  about  a  revival  of  religion.  The  Lord 
revive  my  soul!  Oh,  for  quickening  grace!  The 
Lord  graciously  bestow  on  me  a  spirit  of  prayer  and 
supplication !  I  preached  in  the  afternoon,  on  living 
by  faith.  Alas,  how  much  unbelief  is  still  in  my 
heart !  Oh !  if  I  had  a  realizing  faith  in  divine 
things,  how  differently  should  I  live.  Lord,  in 
mercy,  increase  my  faith !  My  dear  colleague  is 
mending  in  his  health.  The  Lord  in  mercy  be 
pleased  to  restore  his  health  completely,  and  bring  him 
forth  in  vigour,  to  the  services  of  the  sanctuary. 
Thanks  to  God  for  his  services  so  far !  May  he  yet 
live  many  years  of  usefulness  in  the  church."  He 
speaks  of  engaging  in  continuous  prayer,  three 
hours,  in  behalf  of  Dr.  Green's  recovery,  and  pleads 
as  arguments,  the  value  of  his  life,  the  interests  of 
the  church,  and  the  power  of  Christ  to  heal  soul  and 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  147 

body.  Often  had  his  prayer  been  heard  and 
answered  in  time  past,  and  he  trusted  in  being  heard 
now.  His  disinterested  regard  and  true  affection  for 
Dr.  Green,  ever  appears,  and  he  seens  to  have  been 
as  free  from  envy,  and  any  unworthy  feeUng,  as 
mere  human  nature  could  be.  The  superior  popu- 
larity of  Dr.  Green,  his  great  and  extending  influ- 
ence in  the  church,  and  the  honours  which  were 
heaped  upon  him,  seemed  to  be  as  welcome  to  the 
junior  colleague,  as  if  they  were  his  own.  It  was 
more  than  nature — it  was  grace,  which  produced 
such  results ;  and  the  affection  of  half  a  century  on 
earth,  has  ere  this,  been  renewed  in  heaven,  and  they 
rejoice  together  in  the  presence  of  the  Lamb,  as  they 
once  on  earth,  joyfully  laboured  in  his  service." 

Sabbath,  November  8.  "  Last  evening  I  examined 
myself  with  respect  to  my  conversion  and  interest  in 
Jesus  Christ.  The  result  was,  that  I  had  received 
the  grace  of  God,  and  was  united  to  the  Lord  Jesus. 
The  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  is  shortly  to  be 
administered.  The  Lord  prepare  my  heart  and  the 
hearts  of  our  people  for  the  solemnity.  Oh,  for  a 
refreshing  season !  Alas !  not  one  has  yet  applied 
for  the  communion.  And  shall  we  receive  none  ? 
Oh,  Lord  God,  have  mercy." 

Sabbath,  November  13.  "Last  evening  I  ex- 
amined myself  with  respect  to  growth  in  grace,  and 
was  inclined  to  think  that  I  was  growing  in  it; 
though  by  no  means,  as  perceptibly  as  I  could  -wish. 
This  day  I  have  seen  the  abominable  wickedness  of 
my  heart.     Oh,   that  envy,   that  cursed   sin^   that 


148  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

odious  sin,  wliicli  I  hate,  were  destroyed !  Jesus, 
Master,  is  this  the  return  which  I  make  for  thy  ines- 
timable love !  Oh,  for  thy  heavenly  temper  and 
spirit!  Oh,  fill  me  with  benevolent  affections,  and 
let  me  rejoice  in  the  talents  and  honour  of  others. 
Oh,  that  my  great  ambition  were  to  serve  my  Lord 
and  Master,  Jesus  Christ !" 

^'  I  felt  again  impatience  with  respect  to  progress 
in  my  studies,  and  this  hurt  my  frame  and  offended 
my  God.  Oh,  that  I  was  as  solicitous  to  grow  in 
grace,  as  to  grow  in  knowledge !  The  Lord  make 
me  so !  My  prayers  for  some  time,  have  not  been  so 
fervent  as  they  were  before.  Oh,  for  a  spirit  of 
prayer!  for  earnest  pleading  and  wrestling  with 
God !  My  dear  colleague  attended  divine  service  to- 
day, twice.  Accept  my  thanks,  0  God,  and  perfect 
his  health." 

Sabbath,  December  11,  "My  mind  has  recovered 
in  some  measure,  from  that  fit  of  impatience  in 
study,  which  I  lately  felt.  Such  turns  occur,  and 
spring  from  depravity  of  heart.  The  Lord  deliver 
me  from  it !  But  few  attended  church  to-day,  owing 
to  the  rain.  But,  alas !  what  a  trifle  prevents  people 
from  coming  to  the  house  of  God  !  Oh,  for  a  power- 
ful effusion  of  God's  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  see  a 
glorious  revival  of  religion !" 

"■  The  clouds  gather  thick  over  our  country,  and 
threaten  a  dreadful  storm.  May  God  avert  his 
judgments,  and  deal  with  us  in  mercy,  and  not  in 
wrath.  I  may,  owing  to  the  exposed  situation  of 
New  York,  lose  much  in  case  of  war.     But  the 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  149 

Lord  who  gave  hath  a  right  to  take  away,  and  I  de- 
sire to  wait  patiently  his  blessed  will.  He  can 
preserve,  if  he  please,  what  his  bounty  has  bestowed  ; 
but  if  he  judge  fit  to  take  it  away,  it  is  my  duty  to 
say — '  Thy  will  be  done.'  " 

It  was  at  the  close  of  this  year  that  Dr.  Janeway, 
in   union   with   others,   entered   upon   measures   to 
establish  a  Bible  Society  to  promote  the  circulation  of 
the  word  of  Grod.      He   was  one  of  the  four  who 
issued  the  circular  to  their  brethren  of  other  denomi- 
nations, to  meet  in  solemn  deliberation,  on  this,  the 
first  series  of  measures,  which  have  resulted  in  such 
wonderful  good  to  our  country  and  the  world.     It 
was  on  December  11th,  1808,  that  the  preparatory 
meeting  was  held,  and  when  a  constitution  previously 
drafted,  was  adopted  with  great  unanimity  and  cordial 
feeling,  Benj.  Eush,  M.  D.,  Robert  Ralston,  Dr.  Green 
a,nd  Dr.  Janeway,  were  the  men  who  were  honoured 
of  God,  to  inaugurate  the  new  movement  of  mercy. 
Dr.  Green  wrote  the  address,   soliciting  public  co- 
operation, and  it  was  issued  with  the  signature  of 
their  first  President — the  venerable  Bishop  White. 
The  Bishop  was,  during  his  long  life,  the  chief  ofiicer 
of   the   Philadelphia   Bible   Society,    at    that   time 
organized,  and  on  his   death  Dr.  Green   succeeded 
him.   Dr.  Janeway,  all  his  life  ardent  in  his  attachment 
to  the  Bible  Society,  esteemed  it  no  mean  honour, 
which  the  Providence  of  God  had  allowed  him,  to 
unite  with  such  men  and  for  such  a  purpose.     It 
was  the  first  movement  of  the  kind  in  the  United 
13 


150  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

States,  and  was  followed  by  similar  action  throngli- 
ont  the  land. 

January  1,  1809.  ''Behold,  God  has  spared  my 
life,  and  permitted  me  to  enter  on  the  threshold  of  a 
new  year.  I  have  great  reason  to  be  thankfal  to 
God  for  his  many  mercies  to  me  and  to  my  family. 
Yesterday  being  set  apart  as  a  day  of  thanksgiving 
in  this  city,  I  endeavoured  to  recollect  the  favours 
which  I  and  my  family  have  received  from  God,  and 
to  be  grateful.  I  felt  some  emotions  of  gratitude, 
and  gave  thanks  and  praise  to  God.  Oh,  that  this 
year  may  be  better  improved  than  the  last ;  and  if  I 
live  to  see  the  end  of  it,  may  I  be  found  then  nearer 
in  point  of  preparation  than  I  am  at  present !  Great 
changes,  it  is  to  be  apprehended,  will  take  place  in 
this  country,  before  the  close  of  this  year.  The 
Lord  in  mercy,  prepare  me  for  whatever  may  await 
me ;  and  oh,  save  my  country !  This  day,  as  well  as 
yesterday,  my  dear  colleague  preached.  It  is  more 
than  four  months  since  he  was  able  to  preach ;  and 
yet  the  Lord  in  mercy,  sent  supplies  to  our  church. 
For  this  favour,  and  for  his  restoration  thus  far,  I 
praise  God.  The  Lord  make  him  still  a  lasting 
blessing." 

He  mentions  that  a  meeting  was  called  for  the 
express  purpose  of  revising  the  constitution  of  the 
Bible  Society,  and  the  original  friends  were  appre- 
hensive of  attempts,  seriously  to  change  its  character, 
yet  the  better  feeling  prevailed,  and  the  efibrt  was 
voted  down,  to  the  joy  of  its  friends.  How  often 
are  the  early  movements  for  good  threatened  by  in- 


LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  151 

discreet  and  mistaken  friends !  How  true  that  Satan 
sows  tares  amid  tlie  wheat !  There  is  no  calculating 
how  much  mischief  would  have  accrued,  and  how 
much  good  might  have  been  hindered,  if  any  serious 
modification  had  been  accomplished  in  the  con- 
stitution of  this,  the  mother  Bible  Society  of  our 
land. 

January  15.  "On  Friday  evening  last,  I  seemed 
much  engaged  and  affected  in  prayer,  with  respect 
to  the  shortness  of  time,  and  the  necessity  for  pre- 
paring for  eternity.  My  country  appears  to  be  in  a 
very  critical  situation,  on  the  eve  of  civil  commo- 
tions. In  this  eventful  crisis,  I  endeavour  to  put  my 
trust  in  God,  my  Saviour,  and  rejoice  that  he 
reigneth.  'Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace, 
whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee,  because  he  trusteth  in 
thee.'  I  pray  for  my  country,  and  say,  Lord,  spare 
a  guilty  people." 

Sabbath,  January  22.  ''This  day  unseasonable 
thoughts  with  respect  to  our  political  concerns, 
occured  in  the  morning  as  I  rose,  which  injured  my 
frame ;  and  on  last  evening,  I  was,  by  company, 
prevented  from  spending  an  hour  as  usual,  in  medi- 
tation or  self-examination,  as  preparatory  for  the 
Sabbath.  But  by  humiliation  and  prayer,  my  frame 
in  the  afternoon  was  better.  The  Lord  help  me  to 
sanctify  the  Sabbath !  Alas !  I  have  reason  to  be 
ashamed  that  my  mind  on  the  Sabbath  is  so  far 
from  what  it  ought  to  be,  and  that  I  take  no  more 
pains  to  obtain  a  suitable  one.  For  a  few  Sabbaths 
past,  I  have  set  apart  the  evening  to  read  Edwards 


152  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

on  tlie  Affections.  The  Lord  lielp  me  to  examine 
myself  by  that  searcliiDg  book  ! 

"  My  meditations  last  week  were  wretchedly  per- 
formed, being  interrupted  by  unseasonable  and 
worldly  thoughts.  The  Lord  help  me  to  meditate 
closely,  and  deliver  me  from  wandering  thoughts  I 
My  prayers  were  languid  and  imperfect." 

Sabbath,  February  5.  ^'When  conversing  on 
politics,  I  find  that  my  mind  is  too  apt  to  become 
warm  when  opposition  is  made  to  my  opinions. 
Pride  is  at  the  bottom  ;  and  it  behoves  me  to  guard 
more  effectually  againt  pride  and  undue  earnestness 
in  political  conversation.  The  Lord  succour  me 
with  his  grace ! 

''  Whenever  by  occurrences  I  am  prevented  from 
having  my  hour  on  Saturday  evening  for  devotion, 
reflection,  and  self-examination,  I  find  that  my  frame 
on  the  Sabbath  is  less  comfortable.  Last  night  I  did 
not  get  my  hour,  and  this  morning  I  felt  quite 
uncomfortable ;  but  having  mourned  over  my  cold- 
ness, and  sought  Divine  grace,  I  felt  more  comfort- 
able. I  spent  between  one  and  two  hours  this 
evening  in  examination  with  respect  to  my  growth  in 
grace ;  and  I  trust  that  I  have  reason  to  think  that  I 
do  make  some  advances  in  it,  though,  alas !  but  too 
little.  I  applied  for  assistance  to  a  chapter  in  Dod- 
dridge's Kise  and  Progress  of  Eeligion.  In  the 
present  heat  of  politics  I  find  it  necessary  to  guard 
my  temper  and  lips,  lest  I  sin ;  and  I  pray  God  for 
assistance !  I  feel  that  I  am  a  man  of  like  passions 
with  others.     The  Lord  direct  my  steps,  and  give  me 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  153 

grace !  In  this  day  of  alarm  I  would  rest  in  God's 
grace,  and  commit  myself  and  family  to  his  protec- 
tion and  disposal.     The  Lord  give  me  faith !" 

Sabbath,  February  18.    ''This  day,  in   company 
with  many  of  my  fellow- Christians,  I  commemorated 
the    dying    love    of    our    Lord    Jesus    Christ.       I 
endeavoured,  though  imperfectly,  to  make  prepara- 
tion for  the  ordinance.      During  the  first  part   of 
Divine  service  this  morning,  I  felt  dull  and  unaffected, 
but  by  seeking  the  Spirit's  aid,  my  heart  began  to 
be  moved.    At  the  table,  my  thoughts  were  collected, 
and  I  felt  ability  to  meditate  on  the  sufferings  of  my 
Lord.     I  was  enabled  to  confess  my  sins,  and  mourn 
over  them,  and  ask  pardon.     I  trust  that  I  transacted 
in    faith,    and    had   communion  in    the  body   and 
blood  of  Christ,  as  I  received  the  sacred  symbols  as 
liis  body  broken  for  me,  and  his  blood  shed  for  me, 
and    entertained    a    comfortable   confidence  that   I 
should  derive  nourishment  and  strength  from  this 
heavenly  meat  and  drink.     I  enjoyed  the  presence,  I 
think,  of  my  Lord,  and  felt  some  strong  emotions  of 
admiration  at  his  condescending  to  suffer  for  me,  an 
unworthy  and  hell-deserving   wretch;    and   I   pre- 
sented my  requests  with  a  holy  freedom  and  earnest- 
ness.     My  prayers  embraced  a  variety  of  objects, 
and  related  to  my  several  wants,  to  my  wife,  family, 
relatives,  ministry,  people,  country.     On  the  whole, 
it  was  good  for  me  to  be  at  the  Lord's  table ;  and  I 
trust  that  my  soul  has  received  nourishment    and 
strength.     Blessed  be  my  Lord  and  Saviour!     Oh, 
pardon  the  sins  of  my  holy  things !" 
13* 


154  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY. 

Sabbath,  February  26.  ''The  last  week,  for  the 
most  part,  I  felt  shut  up  and  unable  to  perform  my 
devotional  exercises  with  satisfaction.  I  pleaded  my 
transaction  at  the  Lord's  table  on  the  preceding  Lord's 
day,  and  my  expectation  of  being  nourished  by  the 
Holy  Ghost.  I  obtained  a  little  release  on  Friday 
evening,  and  on  Saturday  evening  my  devotional 
feelings  were  comfortable.  The  Lord  bless  my  dis- 
course on  the  Judgment  this  day,  for  Christ's  sake. 
Amen." 

Sabbath,  March  5.  ''I  have  been  much  occupied, 
but,  I  hope,  in  doing  good.  Alas !  I  find  by  expe- 
rience that  much  selfishness  mingles  with  my  duties. 
Oh,  that  God  would  purify  my  motives,  and  give  me 
an  eye  single  to  his  glory  1  Last  evening,  I  began  a 
course  of  self-examination,  which  I  intend  to  prose- 
cute on  Saturday  evenings.  I  took  up  my  relation 
to  my  parents,  and  then  to  my  brothers  and  sisters, 
and  reflected  how  I  perform  the  duties  springing 
from  them.  I  endeavour  to  do  my  duties ;  but  there 
is  much  to  mind  in  my  temper  and  conduct.  I  love 
and  reverence  my  parents,  but  not  in  so  perfect  a 
way  as  I  should.  I  love  my  brothers  and  sisters, 
and  endeavour  to  do  them  good ;  but  I  feel  not  such 
tender  compassion  for  their  souls  as  I  should,  nor  do 
I  embrace  favourable  opportunities  as  I  ought.  The 
Lord  pardon  and  give  me  grace  to  do  my  duty 
better  !  I  felt  vanity  working  while  performing  my 
public  service.  The  Lord  gently  reproved  me  by 
suflering  me  to  feel  embarrassed  in  prayer,  which 
was  not  visible  to  the  people.     Oh,  how  wicked  is  it 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  155 

tliat  self  should  mingle  with  and  defile  mj  duties ! 
The  Lord  deliver  me  from  it  1" 

Sabbath,  March  19.  '^For  some  time  I  have  been 
reading  Edwards  on  the  Affections,  with  a  view  to 
examine  myself.  This  evening,  I  read  his  second 
sign  of  gracious  affection,  viz.,  the  primary  objective 
foundation  of  a  Christian's  affections  is  the  infiDite 
excellency  and  beauty  of  Divine  things,  the  character 
of  God  and  Christ.  While  reading  it,  I  trust  I 
enjoyed  the  witness  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  for  I  got 
thinking  of  the  evil  nature  of  sin  as  opposed  to  a 
holy  God,  of  my  own  vileness,  and  the  corruptions 
of  my  heart,  the  wickedness  of  not  loving  God  more, 
&c.,  of  God's  qualifications  to  reign  over  all  creatures. 
I  felt  humbled,  and  desired  to  be  made  holy.  My 
heart  went  out  to  Christ,  and  my  language  was.  Lay 
any  burden  on  me ;  only  give  me  grace  to  bear  it 
right.  I  endeavoured  to  investigate  the  nature  of 
my  affections ;  and  as  far  as  I  am  able  to  determine, 
I  conclude  that  they  are  gracious." 

About  this  period,  the  congregation  worshipping 
in  Arch  Street,  finding  themselves  straitened,  deter- 
mined to  arise  and  build.  The  lofty  steeple  which 
had  previously  surmounted  the  church  edifice  was 
deemed  by  some  unsafe.  The  plan  was  to  remove 
it,  and  so  remodel  the  whole  interior,  and  by  cover- 
ing the  entire  area  with  pews,  meet  the  demands  of 
a  church  so  constantly  increasing.  Fears  were 
naturally  entertained  that  amid  so  many  there  would 
be  dissatisfaction  arising  from  various  causes.  Before 
the  trustees  submitted  the  question  to  the  people. 


156  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

Dr.  Janeway  proposed  to  the  senior  pastor  to  set 
apart  an  hour  on  the  day  of  congregational  meeting, 
for  solemn  and  special  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  to 
guide  them  to  a  imited  decision,  and  keep  off  all 
untoward  and  unpleasant  excitements.  It  was 
readily  agreed  to;  and  they  met  with  fasting  and 
prayer.  Kor  were  they  disappointed.  The  meeting 
passed  over  in  great  harmony  and  pleasantness.  The 
minority  were  not  stubborn;  and  even  some  who 
reluctated  at  first,  were  convinced,  and  united  most 
cordially  in  the  measure.  It  was  his  uniform 
custom  to  carry  all  his  interests  to  the  throne  of 
prayer.  He  was  most  firmly  and  abidingly  con- 
vinced of  the  use  of  such  approaches.  Often  before 
had  he  seen  the  hand  of  God  put  forth  in  answer  to 
his  pleadings;  and  in  his  life  prolonged  to  half  a 
century  beyond  the  period  now  in  review,  he  expe- 
rienced the  same  tenderness  from  the  Shepherd  and 
Bishop  of  his  soul.  He  was  eminently  a  man  of 
prayer;  and  his  abiding  as  he  did,  at  the  mercy-seat, 
was  the  secret  of  his  wonderful  consistency,  and  his 
freedom  from  the  little  blots  which,  alas!  disfigure 
too  often  the  lives  of  good  men. 

Sabbath,  April  9.  ''The  last  week,  I  made  my 
second  sermon  on  prayer,  and  had  to  lament  my 
coldness.  I  was  but  little  engaged  in  delivering  it, 
and  did  not  experience  that  savoury  relish  of  the 
truth  which  I  wished.  But  this  evening  it  pleased 
the  Lord  to  favour  me  with  communion  with  his 
blessed  self.  It  was  sweet.  It  began  thus:  My 
colleague  informed  me  that,  at  New  York,  appear- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  157 

ances  of  religion  were  very  favourable,  and  that 
Brother  Romeyn  was  most  favoured.  When  drink- 
ing tea  at  home,  I  began  to  bless  the  Lord  that  he 
was  favouring  that  city  and  that  young  servant. 
After  tea,  I  spent  an  hour  in  praying,  almost  con- 
stantly praying,  that  the  kingdom  of  God  might 
come ;  that  I  might  be  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
lamenting  my  coldness,  and  praying  to  be  swallowed 
up  in  love  to  God,  to  be  filled  with  spiritual  light ; 
praying  for  my  wife,  and  children,  and  others.  My 
prayers  were  not  set  prayers,  but  in  detached  parts, 
giving  utterance  as  thoughts  occurred.  I  seemed 
constrained  to  pray.  I  looked  into  these  exercises, 
and  think  they  were  truly  gracious,  having  the  glory 
of  a  Holy  God  in  view,  the  honour  of  his  kingdom, 
and  issuing  in  desires  and  prayers  that  I  might  be 
truly  holy.  I  rejoiced  in  the  holiness  and  sovereignty 
of  God ;  and  now,  while  I  write,  I  desire  to  be  fully 
sanctified,  and  to  be  swallowed  up  in  love  to  God. 
My  soul  has  been  in  some  degree  melted  within  me ; 
and  my  tears  have  flowed  plentifully.  Oh,  that  this 
were  the  beginning  of  a  revival  of  religion  in  my 
soul !  I  was  earnest  in  prayer  for  humility,  meek- 
ness, gentleness,  a  temper  like  that  of  Christ.  Praise 
God,  0  my  soul !  I  record  that  I  see  it  to  be  my 
duty  to  seek  the  enjoyment  of  high  comforts  in 
religion,  not  because  it  will  promote  my  happiness, 
but  because  it  is  my  duty  as  well  as  my  privilege, 
and  has  a  sanctifying  influence.  God  invites  me  and 
others  to  seek  them  ;  and  we  ought.  He  is  glorified 
when  men  place  their  happiness  in  nearness  to  him. 


158  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

''  I  feel  tlie  need  of  the  illumination  of  tlie  Spirit 
of  God,  both  with  respect  to  doctrine  and  precept, 
and  of  the  spiritual  taste,  with  respect  to  duty,  which 
is  wrought  in  the  soul  by  the  Spirit.  Oh,  to  have 
my  eyes  opened  to  see  the  beauty  of  Divine  things, 
and  the  excellence  of  the  Christian  temper !  Oh,  for 
a  clear  spiritual  perception  of  duty,  and  ability  to  do 
it !  My  frame  in  the  pulpit  is  not  what  it  should  be. 
I  wish  to  feel  the  truth  which  I  deliver  to  others, 
and  to  be  fed  while  I  attempt  to  feed  others.  How 
transient  my  comfortable  and  lively  feelings!  Oh, 
that  they  were  more  abiding !" 

Sabbath,  April  23.  "  Last  week,  I  attended  Pres- 
bytery, and  found  my  heart  still  vain.  I  am  too 
hasty  in  speaking,  and  have  not  enough  humility.  I 
strove  in  some  degree  against  this  evil  disposition ; 
and  towards  the  end  of  the  session  I  conducted 
myself  more  to  my  satisfaction.  The  Lord  make  me 
truly  humble,  and  dehver  me  from  self-seeking ! 
Last  evening,  I  had  some  comfortable  meditations, 
and  desired  to  partake  more  of  a  ministerial  spirit, 
and  to  be  better  qualified  with  gifts  and  graces  of 
God's  Holy  Spirit.  But  to-day  I  had  not  that 
savoury  relish  of  Divine  things  which  I  ought  to 
have  in  the  pulpit.  I  say  to  myself,  I  must  not  be 
satisfied  with  such  a  dull  frame.  Oh,  for  one  lively 
and  affecting! 

"  Last  evening,  I  had  in  prayer  an  awful  sense  of 
God's  presence,  producing  some  dread,  so  that  I  had 
to  cease  speaking  for  a  minute;  but,  by  pleading 
the  Saviour's  merits,  this  uncomfortable  sense  was 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  159 

removed.  Frequently  before,  my  experience  has 
been  like  this.  Oh,  for  a  delightful  sense  of  God's 
presence,  that  I  may  walk  with  him  1" 

May  24.  "  For  some  time  I  have  been  prevented 
from  putting  down  my  experiences.  During  that  time, 
God  has  been  pleased  to  show  me  the  great  depravity 
of  my  heart  by  permitting  certain  corruptions  to 
work.  Oh,  for  his  sanctifying  grace  I  On  the  last 
Sabbath,  I  partook  of  the  Communion  of  our  Lord's 
Supper.  I  trust  it  was  good  for  me  to  be  there,  and 
that  I  transacted  in  faith.  My  petitions  were  such 
as  I  usually  offer  on  such  occasions.  I  found,  from 
conversations  with  the  candidates,  that  my  preaching 
had  been  blessed  to  some.  I  give  God  thanks,  and 
desire  to  take  courage." 

Any  intimation  of  accorded  usefulness  was  cheer- 
ing to  him.  He  sought  not  popularity  for  its  own 
sake,  and  was  only  anxious  to  stand  well  before  his 
people,  that  he  might  win  souls.  He  hears,  about 
this  time,  of  persons  hopefully  converted,  whose 
earliest  impressions  were  dated  to  a  sermon  preached 
in  a  distant  part  of  the  Presbytery,  six  years  before. 
He  rejoices  in  secret  before  God  that  the  seed  he  had 
sown  was  ripening  in  distant  fields,  and  he  can  bear 
to  wait  till  the  Judgment  Day,  in  the  hope  that  some 
of  those  among  whom  he  had  gone  preaching  the 
gospel  would  hail  him  then,  as  the  instrument  in 
God's  hands,  of  bringing  them  to  the  Saviour.  At 
times,  he  feels  a  recurrence  of  his  old  complaint, 
weakness  of  his  breast,  and  he  knows  not  what  may 
be  the  result ;  but  he  is  cheered  by  the  information 


160  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

that  reaches  him,  that  his  labour  was  not  in  vain  in 
the  Lord,  and  that  the  people  of  God — his  holy 
flock — were  fed  and  edified,  and  sinaers  roused  to  a 
sense  of  their  danger  and  need  of  grace. 

He  was  greatly  shocked  by  rumors  affecting  the 
character  of  one  whom  he  delighted  to  hear,  and 
whose  popular  talents  made  him  the  object  of  great 
admiration.  His  reflections  are  mournful,  and  he  puts 
himself  solemnly  under  Divine  protection,  that  he 
may  be  preserved  by  grace,  and  not  fall  into  sin. 
Kather  would  he  die  at  once  than  dishonour  religion. 
He  prays  for  the  fallen  one,  whom  he  calls  brother, 
that  he  may  be  recovered,  and  yet  adorn  the  church 
of  the  living  Grod.  The  preaching  of  this  person  in 
former  years  had  exercised  him  much,  and  it  required 
all  his  grace  to  enable  him  to  refrain  from  envy  and 
its  indulgence ;  and  the  sincerity  of  his  heart  is  now 
apparent  in  the  pregnant  fact  that  he  rejoices  not  in 
any  way  in  his  fall,  but  mourns  before  God  over  him, 
and  makes  him  the  subject  of  his  prayers.  His 
estimate  of  himself  was  modest.  He  knew  he  had 
not  those  elements  of  popular  address  which  strike 
and  dazzle.  He  compares  his  preaching  to  common 
fare  alongside  of  the  high  entertainments  of  others. 
But  the  elements  of  his  character  were  solid  and 
enduring.  He  won  his  way  to  the  hearts  and  intel- 
lects of  his  people  by  slower  but  surer  processes.  It 
was  not  his  to  dazzle  by  unusual  corruscations,  but 
to  shine  with  steady  light,  to  which  travelers  might 
look,  and  by  which  they  might  be  guided.  His  own 
people  honoured  him ;  the  church  at  large  honoured 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  161 

him  for  the  consistency  of  his  character;  and  the 
fixedness  of  his  views  of  doctrinal  truth  made  him  a 
safe  one  to  follow. 

Sabbath,  July  30.  "  This  day  we  dedicated  our 
dear  little  boy  to  God.  The  discourse  of  my  col- 
league was  on  '  Trust,'  and  therefore  very  suitable ; 
and  I  trust  that  God  enabled  me  to  act  faith  in  his 
great  promise  to  be  a  God  to  me  and  to  my  seed 
after  me,  and  sincerely  devote  my  child  to  him.  I 
renewed,  too,  my  dedication  of  my  other  children.  I 
felt  it  to  be  a  privilege  to  give  them  to  God  in  bap- 
tism, and  I  asked  for  them  not  the  riches,  honours, 
or  pleasures  of  this  world,  but  the  grace  of  God  and 
other  spiritual  blessings,  and  felt  a  desire  that  they 
might  be  able,  faithful,  and  successful  ministers  of 
Jesus  Christ.  The  Lord  bless  them  all !  Oh,  that 
they  may  grow  up  in  his  fear,  and  early  partake  of 
his  grace ! 

This  evening  I  felt,  I  trust,  some  kindly  motions 
of  the  Spirit  of  God.  They  began  when  I  was  con- 
versing with  a  domestic  on  the  subject  of  religion. 
They  led  me  to  mourn  over  my  distance  from  God, 
and  my  coldness ;  to  breathe  after  God  and  usefulness 
among  my  fellow-creatures.  Oh!  there  is  no  life 
like  that  of  sensible  communion  with  God,  and  of 
active,  disinterested  efforts  to  do  good  in  the  world. 
But  alas !  my  coldness  and  selfishness.  I  have  not 
that  nearness  to  God  which  I  have  had.  The  Lord 
bring  me  very  near  to  himself !" 

Whenever  the  sacrament  of  the  holy  supper  was 
announced,  as  was  the  laudable  custom  in  that  church, 
14 


162  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

three  weeks  in  advance,  Dr.  Janeway  diligently  set 
himself  to  work  in  preparing  for  it  by  self-examina- 
tion and  meditation.  ''Am  I  really  in  a  gracious 
state  ?"  though  so  often  asked,  and  as  often  answered, 
was  still  a  question  over  which  he  often  pondered. 
^'Do  I  grow  in  grace?"  was  as  anxiously  asked  and 
as  diligently  sifted.  He  would  take  nothing  for 
granted,  nor  keep  over  the  manna  which  he  had 
gathered  on  former  occasions.  It  was  daily  bread, 
which  he  asked  for  his  soul ;  and  he  knew  that  his 
gracious  Lord  would  have  his  people  feel  their 
dependence,  and  come  to  his  love  for  fresh  supplies 
of  grace.  Few  men  have  made  so  much  of  the 
sacramental  table,  and  so  it  was  through  life.  He 
heard  the  invitation  like  the  Israelite  the  call  to  the 
yearly  passover,  and  he  sought  out  the  leaven  to  put 
it  from  his  heart. 

His  plan  was  that  of  our  Presbyterian  forefathers ; 
and  though  reared  in  the  Reformed  Dutch  church, 
he  found  the  same  high  estimate  of  the  Lord's  supper 
as  a  means  of  grace.  There  is  not  to  be  found  an 
approach  to  the  superstitious  notions  of  the  Romish 
hierarchy  and  other  bodies,  who  too  much  sympa- 
thize therewith — the  opus  operatum.  The  Calvinistic 
divines  of  a  former  age  had  high  ideas  of  the  sacra- 
mental supper.  Long  were  the  preparations,  and 
high,  in  consequence,  their  enjoyments.  The  prepa- 
ratory services  were  not  confined  to  the  Saturday 
evening  before,  but  commenced  on  Friday,  and  con- 
tinued to  the  Monday  following,  as  is  the  time- 
honoured  custom  of  many  in  those  parts  of  the  West 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  163 

which  have  been  peopled  by  the  Scotch-Irish.  It 
may  be  questioned  whether  a  more  harried  and 
perfanctory  performance  of  the  duty  in  the  present 
age  of  the  church  may  not  insensibly  lower  the  high 
design  of  the  ordinance  to  a  service  more  common 
and  less  solemn.  One  must  be  pained  to  see  how,  in 
some  quarters,  the  ordinance  is  condensed  into  the 
period  of  an  ordinary  service,  or  perchance  thrown 
into  the  after-part  of  the  day,  when  the  very  lassitude 
of  the  hour  dims  the  devotion  of  the  communicants. 
A  service  so  solemn,  with  associations  so  august, 
may  well  claim  more  of  our  time,  even  if  not 
extended  to  the  prolonged  service  of  our  ancestors. 
The  tenor  of  inspiration  bids  us  examine  ourselves, 
and  so  eat  of  the  bread  and  drink  of  the  cup  that,  in 
the  full  discernment  of  the  Lord's  body,  we  may 
obtain  the  fruition  intended.  Modern  haste  is  a  poor 
substitute  for  the  stately  and  lengthened  waitings  of 
God's  people  in  former  days. 

Again  is  he  beset  with  the  idea  that  a  call  to  an- 
other field  would  decide  the  question  of  his  standing 
with  his  people.  He  was  painfully  sensitive  on  this 
subject.  His  was  not  the  foolish  wish  of  having  his 
vanity  gratified  by  lively  demonstrations  of  affection, 
but  only  as  accomplishing  the  great  desire  of  his 
heart — usefulness.  Jealous  with  a  godly  jealousy  of 
himself,  he  fears  his  wish  is  unguarded,  and  not 
properly  submissive.  His  conscience  and  his  sense 
of  propriety  kept  him  in  any  way,  direct  or  other- 
wise, from  seeking  a  call.  He  will  leave  it  all  with 
God.     He  felt  that  his  voice  was  becoming  stronger 


164  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

and  fuller,  and  gave  more  force  to  his  delivery. 
''God  be  praised!"  is  his  reflection ;  "and  may  more 
improvement  be  allowed  for  the  sole  glory  of  God !" 

Sabbath;  September  3.  "But  little  was  done  the 
last  week.  My  time  seemed  to  run  away  without 
much  improvement.  Perhaps  the  cause  may  be 
found  in  my  not  being  diligent  enough  in  employing 
the  hours  of  the  last  Sabbath.  The  Lord  help  me  to 
sanctify  the  Sabbath!  Daring  the  week,  I  felt  the 
workings  of  evil  temper  and  hard  thoughts.  I  am 
too  selfish  and  obstinate.  Oh,  that  the  Lord  would 
make  me  meek  and  lowly,  that  I  may  resemble  my 
blessed  Lord  !  Impart,  heavenly  Father,  to  me  wis- 
dom- that  I  may  conduct  myself  with  prudence 
among  my  people  and  all  others.  This  day  I  heard 
of  the  death  of  Dr.  H.  He  fell  a  martyr  to  wicked- 
ness and  intemperance.  What  a  fall !  Once  how 
popular !  Lately  how  despised  and  abhorred ! 
What  a  lesson  to  every  Christian !  '  Let  him  that 
thinketh  he  standeth  take  heed,  lest  he  fall!'  O 
my  God,  keep  me  by  thy  power  and  grace !  Oh,  let 
me  not  fall  and  disgrace  thy  holy  cause,  but  so 
uphold  me  by  thy  good  Spirit  that  I  may  continually 
grow  in  grace,  and  become  more  and  more  useful!" 

Sabbath,  October  15.  "I  desire  to  recognize  the 
goodness  of  God  manifested  to  me  in  my  late  journey. 
I  give  thanks  for  the  kindness  of  friends,  relatives, 
and  strangers,  and  that,  through  a  journey  of  seven 
hundred  miles,  no  dangerous  accident  was  permitted 
to  befall  me.  I  thank  the  Lord  that  my  family  and 
dwelling   were  preserved  during  my   absence,  and 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  165 

that  I  am  restored  in  comfort  to  them !  Good  is  the 
Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praised !  The  Lord  make 
me  grateful  indeed." 

Sabbath,  October  22.  "This  day  I  have  been  con- 
fined to  my  house  by  a  severe  cold.  I  would  remark 
it  with  gratitude  that  it  is  the  first  Sabbath  in  which 
I  have  been  prevented  from  preaching  to  our  people 
since  my  connection  with  them — a  period  of  ten 
years  and  eight  months.  Frequently  I  have  been  in 
a  languishing  state,  but  the  Lord  has  been  pleased  to 
give  me  strength  for  the  labours  of  the  sanctuary. 
On  another  Sabbath,  after  preaching  in  the  morning, 
I  found  myself  so  hoarse  in  the  afternoon  that,  ."fter 
attempting  the  service,  and  perceiving  I  could  net- be 
heard,  I  dismissed  the  congregation.  Besides  this,  I 
do  not  recollect  a  single  service,  since  my  settlement 
here,  which  I  was  rendered  unable  to  perform  through 
sickness.  I  pray  God  that  he  would  graciously 
continue  my  health,  that  I  may  labour  in  his  house. 
My  soul  has  been  defiled  by  carnal  ambition.  Oh, 
for  an  humble  temper !  The  Lord  grant  me  grace  to 
be  resigned  to  his  holy  will,  and  keep  me  free  from 
undue  desire  after  that  honour  which  cometh  from 
man,  and  more  concerned  to  obtain  His  approbation ! 
I  was  reading  the  memoir  of  Eev.  S.  Pearce.  Ah ! 
how  short  I  come  of  that  holy  man  1  I  see  that,  with 
respect  to  preaching,  my  great  want  is  a  warm, 
zealous,  affectionate  heart.  The  good  Lord  give  it 
me!" 

Sabbath,  November  26.    "This  day  I  was  again 
permitted,  in  company  with  my  fellow-Christians,  to 
14- 


166  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWaY. 

commemorate  tlie  dying  love  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  For  tlie  holy  ordinance,  I  endeavoured  to 
make  preparation,  but  kave  reason  to  ask  pardon  for 
the  imperfections  attending  my  efibrts  and  prayers. 
During  the  sermon^  and  in  administering  the  first 
table,  I  felt  but  little  engaged ;  but  when  I  came  to 
partake  of  the  ordinance,  my  feelings  were  excited ; 
and  I  trust  I  did  indeed  receive  the  bread  and  wine 
as  the  body  of  Christ  broken  for  me,  and  as  the 
blood  of  Christ  shed  for  me;  and  I  received  the 
elements  as  seals  of  the  covenant  of  grace.  The 
sacred  symbols  I  received  with  a  sense  of  my  vile- 
ness,  un worthiness,  and  ill  desert ;  and  I  confessed 
that  I  was  unworthy  to  receive  them,  and  yet  I  took 
them  as  given  by  my  Saviour  to  me.  I  mourned 
over  my  sins,  and  particularly  over  pride,  envy,  and 
selfishness,  and  besought  the  Lord  to  destroy  these 
and  other  sins,  and  to  bestow  on  me  the  blessings 
which  I  needed.  I  prayed  for  more  and  strong  faith, 
for  more  love,  for  humility,  courage,  freedom,  bene- 
volence, furniture  for  my  work,  more  profit  from 
reading  the  Scriptures,  the  spirit  suited  to  the  pulpit, 
compassion  to  the  souls  of  men,  success,  for  a  bless- 
ing on  my  people,  wife,  children,  parents,  brother, 
sister,  my  country,  and  the  world.  I  pleaded  for  my 
wife  and  children ;  I  asked  for  my  children  not  the 
riches  of  the  world,  but  the  grace  of  God,  and,  if 
consistent  with  his  holy  will,  that  they  might  be 
ministers  of  the  gospel  of  Christ.  On  the  whole, 
though  I  have  reason  to  blush  on  account  of  the 
imperfections  attending  my  communicating,   yet   I 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  167 

trust  it  has  been  a  profitable  season  to  my  soul ;  and 
I  hope  to  see  the  good  effects  of  it  in  my  life.  '  Bless 
the  Lord,  O  my  soul !  and  all  that  is  within  me  bless 
his  holy  name!  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and 
forget  not  all  his  benefits !'  Oh,  to  be  faithful  to 
my  covenant  engagements !  Forbid  it,  Lord,  that  I 
should  dishonour  thee  or  thy  cause!  Oh,  put  thy 
fear  and  spirit  in  my  heart,  that  I  may  never  depart 
from  thee,  and  that  I  may  keep  thy  judgments,  and 
do  them !     Amen." 

By  his  friends  and  relatives,  his  temporal  condition 
was  improved  and  enlarged.  It  excites  his  gratitude, 
and  he  pours  out  his  thanks.  "  But  what,"  he  writes 
'*  are  these  favours  in  comparison  with  those  spiritual 
blessings  which  God  has  bestowed  on  me !  These 
claim  my  highest  gratitude  and  most  animated, 
praise.  I  look  to  God  that  I  may  not  over-rate 
temporal  benefits ;  and  I  haVe  directed  my  medita- 
tions in  my  private  devotions  so  as  to  raise  my 
affections  to  heaven,  and  detach  them  from  earth. 
Oh,  for  a  heavenly  mind !  God  forbid  that  I  should 
abuse  his  mercies  by  suffering  them  to  interpose 
between  him  and  my  heart !  Alas !  my  spirit  is 
languid  in  the  service  of  God !  This  day  my  heart 
had  no  enlargement  in  preaching.  Oh,  that  I  had 
the  spirit  becoming  the  pulpit  and  the  gospel ! 
Blessed  God,  grant  it  to  me  for  Christ's  sake! 
Amen. 

"  I  have  finished  reading  Edwards  on  the  Affec- 
tions for  the  second  time.  It  is  a  searching  work ; 
but  I  trust  that  I  can  abide  the  trial,  and  that,  while 


168  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY 

reading  it,  I  felt  at  times  the  working  of  true  grace. 
On  Friday  evening,  my  colleague  spoke  from  the 
words,  'Quicken  thou  me,  for  my  soul  cleaveth  to 
,  the  dust !'  It  was  a  profitable  address,  and  I  hope  it 
administered  to  me  a  reproof,  and  excited  a  desire  to 
be  revived.     Oh,  that  I  were !" 

Sabbath,  December  24.  "This  evening  is  that 
which  precedes  the  night  on  which  the  Saviour  was 
born.  Wonderful  night!  wonderful  event!  What 
matter  for  joy  and  praise!  I  have  been  trying  to 
rejoice.  But  ah,  how  coldly !  Oh,  for  a  heart  to 
rejoice,  and  give  glory  and  praise  to  God !" 

Sabbath,  December  31.  "This  day  closes  the  year. 
I  have  spent  an  hour  in  looking  back  and  forward. 
I  see  much  for  which  to  be  thankful,  and  much  for 
which  to  be  penitent.  The  next  year,  if  God  spare 
me,  I  desire  and  pray  to  spend  better  than  the  last, 
and  to  grow  in  grace  and  meetness  for  heaven." 

The  church  edifice  was  now  completed,  and  such 
alterations  were  made  in  the  area  of  the  pews,  that 
the  allotment  to  the  occupants  was  likely  to  occasion 
dissatisfaction ;  and  indeed  symptoms  of  disaffection 
already  appeared.  The  harmony  of  his  people  was 
always  dear  to  Dr.  Janeway.  He  dreaded  strife 
among  Christian  brethren.  His  hope  was  in  God ; 
to  him  he  looked.  ^'  As  the  eyes  of  a  servant  look 
unto  the  hand  of  his  master,  and  as  the  eyes  of 
a  maiden  unto  the  hand  of  her  mistress,  so  our  eyes 
wait  upon  the  Lord  our  God,  until  that  he  have 
mercy  upon  us."  Mr.  Cecil  somewhere  remarks  that 
one  evidence  of  grace  was  the  readiness  with  which 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  169 

tlie  believer  carried  all  his  cares,  sorrows,  and  affairs 
to  Grod,  as  the  child  buries  its  head  in  its  mother's 
lap.  *'To  whom  shall  we  go?"  It  is  the  soul  turn- 
ing to  its  beloved  with  the  holy  instincts  of  its  new 
nature. 

January  29,  1810.  "  This  day  I  have  spent  in  fast- 
ing and  prayer  to  Almighty  God.  My  objects  were 
the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  congregation,  and  a 
revival  of  religion  in  my  own  soul.  I  endeavoured 
to  mourn  over  the  sins  of  the  people  in  not  profiting 
more  by  the  gospel  and  its  ordinances,  and  over  my 
sins  in  not  having  the  spirit  of  my  station,  and  in 
being  so  cold  and  formal.  I  endeavoured  to  urge 
my  petitions  by  a  variety  of  arguments  with  respect 
to  the  church  and  myself.  I  began  my  exercises  by 
contemplating  God  as  the  hearer  of  prayer,  and 
recollecting  various  instances  of  his  having  heard 
prayer,  recorded  in  sacred  Scripture,  and  instances  in 
my  own  experience.  I  have  to  lament  that  I  did  not 
set  apart  this  day  with  more  cheerfulness,  and  that  I 
did  not  endeavour  to  prepare  my  heart  for  it  as  I 
ought.  My  prayers  were  not  as  affectionate  as  I 
could  have  wished ;  nor  did  I  enjoy  as  much  enlarge- 
ment as  I  have  been  favoured  with  at  other  times. 
But  God  will  hear,  I  trust.  Oh,  that  m}^  imperfect 
prayers  and  alms  may  come  up  before  God  for  a 
memorial !  Oh,  for  a  gracious  and  speedy  answer, 
for  Jesus'  sake!  I  closed  by  asking  forgiveness  for 
the  sins  attending  my  devotions,  and  renewing  my 
covenant  engagements." 

Dissatisfied  and  restless  men  occasioned  trouble  in 


170  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

tlie  Second  Church,  and  laboured  to  infect  others 
with  their  discontent.  In  the  absence  of  many 
details  on  this  matter,  the  actors  having  long  since 
passed  to  their  account,  the  difficulty  seems  to  have 
been  occasioned  by  the  fact  that  the  Building  Com- 
mittee could  not  give  satisfaction  to  all,  and  assign 
all  equal  seats  of  eminence  in  the  house  of  God.  It 
was  a  time  of  trial  to  the  pastors  and  the  pious 
members  of  the  church.  Dr.  Janeway  was  specially 
anxious  lest  in  any  wise  he  should  be  betrayed  into 
haste  of  temper,  or  fail  in  his  love  to  the  misguided 
ones  who  made  the  difficulty.  The  dishonour  done 
to  religion  affected  him  much.  Obstinacy  increased 
the  difficulty,  men  talked  loudly  of  their  rights,  and 
urged  their  claims  with  unseemly  violence ;  rupture 
seemed  inevitable  ;  the  church  was  dishonoured,  and 
the  mouth  of  the  enemy  was  filled  with  reproaches. 
It  was  his  reflection  that,  after  all,  there  was  a  glori- 
ous reality  in  religion,  and  God  in  his  sovereign  per- 
mission of  such  things  in  a  Christian  church,  could 
illustrate  his  grace.  His  own  interests  were  sfnall, 
and  he  could  sink  them  in  the  interests  of  the  whole. 
Tears  ran  down  his  cheeks  as  he  thought  of  the  sad 
results  to  the  cause  he  loved  so  well.  So  high  ran 
the  disputes  that  he  meditated  seriously  leaving  the 
congregation  after  uttering  his  testimony,  on  the 
ground  that  his  usefulness  was  hindered.  He  will 
trust  God,  and  await  the  issues  of  his  providence. 

On  March  11,  1810,  the  congregation,  scattered  so 
long,  and  worshipping  in  other  places,  re-assembled 
in   their   remodeled   sanctuary,    so   enlarged   in   its 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  171 

capacity  as  to  be  exceeded  but  by  one  otlier  in  tlie 
entire  city.  The  work  was  carried  on  successfully. 
No  accident  occurred  to  the  injury  of  any  one  in  life 
or  limb.  A  large  number  of  pew  accommodations 
was  added,  which  were  eagerly  sought  by  persons 
desirous  of  uniting  with  them.  Harmony  was  re- 
turning. The  disatisfied  were  yielding  their  objec- 
tions. Better  counsels  were  prevailing.  For  more 
than  half  a  century  before,  had  that  edifice  been  the 
home  of  a  pure  gospel,  and  years  longer,  was  the 
cherished  spiritual  home  of  many  of  God's  dear 
people.  Of  that  Zion  it  may  be  said — this  man  and 
that  man  were  born  in  her;  and  so  did  that  plain 
and  unpretending  house  remain  in  the  service  of  God, 
till  the  encroachments  of  business  and  the  removal 
•of  its  people,  rendered  it  needful  to  remove  to  a  spot 
more  quiet  and  more  suitable  to  their  comfort. 

Sabbath,  March  28.  "  I  have  been  reading  Shaw's 
Immanuel.  I  hope  I  have  received  some  profit, 
but  not  as  much  as  I  ought  from  that  heavenly 
book.  I  was  particularly  pleased  with  his  'Angelic 
Life.'  My  feelings  are  not  well  regulated ;  easily 
touched  by  anything  which  relates  to  myself,  and 
too  hard  to  be  exercised  by  matters  which  relate  to 
God.  This  day,  seeing  a  person  belonging  to  our 
congregation  going  to  another  place  of  worship,  and 
apprehending  she  might  have  an  inclination  to  leave 
our  church,  I  regarded  the  thing  too  much,  and 
when  I  returned  home,  and  heard  that  my  father-in- 
law  had  a  similar  inclination,  I  felt  altogether  wrong. 
May  God   give   me   more   grace,  and  rectified  and 


172  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

sanctified  feelings !  These  things  may  be  intended 
to  balance  another  occurrence,  and  keep  me  humble. 
The  pews  in  our  church  sold  remarkably  high,  and 
others  are  solicitous  to  have  seats  with  us. 

I  have  frequently  questioned  whether  I  was  in  my 
proper  place.  Owing  to  diflerent  circumstances,  my 
ministry  has  had  to  struggle  with  considerable  diffi- 
culties, and  I  have  often  thought  of  removing,  and  of 
investigating  my  standing ;  but  hitherto,  I  have 
done  nothing  for  this  end.  I  pray  God  to  direct  me, 
and  to  establish  my  thoughts.  If  the  interests  of 
religion  require  my  removal,  I  think,  through 
Divine  assistance,  I  could  cast  myself  and  family  on 
the  providence  of  God.  I  wish  the  church  here  to 
flourish,  and  I  have  thought  that  if  I  were  to  re- 
move, another  person  would  occupy  my  station  with 
more  advantage,  and  not  have  to  contend  with  the 
difficulties  I  have  met  with.  The  Lord  direct  me ! 
Trust,  0  my  soul,  in  Jehovah,  and  remember  the 
promise  of  thy  Saviour,  '  Lo,  I  am  with  you  always, 
even  to  the  end  of  the  world.' " 

The  General  Assembly  of  1810,  met,  and  inaugu- 
rated the  plan  of  the  Theological  Seminary.  Many 
important  matters  came  before  that  venerable  court, 
and  amid  great  harmony,  the  welfare  of  our  church 
was  promoted.  The  overture  for  the  establishment 
of  a  school  of  the  prophets,  came  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia.  It  was  committed  to  a  select 
committee,  of  which  the  Eev.  Dr.  Dwight,  of  Yale 
College,  was  chairman.  In  their  report,  these  plans 
were  submitted;  a  Central  School,  a  Northern  and 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  173 

a  Southern  School,  and  one  in  eacli  synod.  The 
report  argued  the  advantages  of  these  different  sub- 
mitted plans.  The  entire  matter  was  to  be  sent 
down  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  consideration,  and 
they  were  directed  to  report  their  answer  to  the  next 
Assembly.  It  is  refreshing  at  this  day,  when  ecclesi- 
astical intercourse  has  ceased  between  our  church 
and  those  of  New  England,  to  find  the  early  move- 
ments which  resulted  in  the  Princeton  Seminary, 
directed  under  the  chairmanship  of  a  man  who  stood 
pre-eminent  among  the  Congregational  churches  of 
New  England. 

In  all  these  movements  Dr.  Janeway  sympathized 
earnestly.  The  establishment  of  a  Theological  Semi- 
nary was  dear  to  him,  as  it  was  to  his  venerated 
colleague.  In  the  condition  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  at  that  time,  it  was  a  great  step  in  advance. 

•Dr.  Griffin,  then  Professor  at  Andover,  writes  Dr. 
Janeway  on  the  subject,  and  says,  "A  year  ago,  I 
hoped  that  the  strength  of  our  American  church 
might  be  united  in  supporting  one  school,  which 
might  bear  upon  Boston  and  Cambridge  College. 
But  I  am  convinced  that  my  hopes  were  not  well 
founded."  We  cannot  refrain  from  remarking  that 
those  were  halcyon  days,  when  Dr.  Dwight,  at  Yale 
College,  and  Dr.  Griffin,  at  Andover  Theological 
Seminary,  were  so  interested  in  the  forthcoming 
school,  which,  in  the  Providence  of  God,  was  to 
rally  around  it  the  defenders  of  the  faith,  then 
equally  dear  to  Congregationalists  and  Presbyterians. 
The  fathers  have  told  us  of  the  sweetened  inter- 
15 


174  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J,  JANEWAY. 

course  whicli  prevailed,  and  how  the  great  lights  of 
New  England  were  greeted  on  the  floor  of  the 
General  Assembly,  as  year  after  year  they  came  np, 
bearing  the  salutations  of  the  sons  of  the  Puritans. 
How  sad  the  contrast  now ;  and  how  those,  whose 
fathers  were  friends  and  brethren,  are  alienated  I 
Our  church  is  now  where  it  stood  fifty  years  ago. 
The  same  symbols  and  the  same  doctrines  which 
rejoiced  our  fathers  rejoice  us.  Our  modes  of  pre- 
senting truth  are  the  same,  which  in  their  days 
were  equally  acceptable  at  the  East  and  among  the 
churches  sweeping  onward  to  the  setting  sun. 

Sabbath,  July  22.  "This  day  I  preached  on  the 
consequences  attending  the  preaching  of  the  gospel, 
and  felt  a  little  engaged.  Last  Sabbath  I  felt 
reproved  for  neglecting  to  do  what  I  recommended 
and  enforced  on  others.  On  Wednesday  I  went  to 
visit  Dr.  Tennent,  pastor  of  Abington,  who  lies 
dangerously  ill.  It  was,  I  trust,  a  profitable  visit. 
He  is  in  a  very  comfortable  frame,  and  can  say.  Come, 
see  how  a  Christian  dies!  He  is  glorifying  God  on 
his  sick  bed,  relying  on  Jesus  for  his  own  salvation, 
and  recommending  him  to  others.  Oh,  for  more  zeal  I 
Oh,  to  be  revived  I  I  have  been  for  a  little  while 
past  reviewing  the  goodness,  mercy  and  grace  of 
God  to  me.  How  many  bounties,  how  many  mer- 
cies, how  much  free  and  sovereign  grace !  I  only  want 
a  grateful  heart.  The  Lord  give  it  me !  This  evening 
I  examined  myself.  I  found,  I  trust,  that  I  am  a 
converted  person,  a  true  believer,  a  child  of  God, 
an  heir  of  glory.  Wonderful  change !  Once  a  child  of 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  175 

wrath — now  a  cliild  of  God !  Once  dead  in  sin — now 
alive  unto  God.  Who  maketh  me  to  differ  from 
another?  Grace,  grace,  and  to  God  be  all  the 
glory." 

Sabbath,  August  12.  ''I  have  been  examining 
myself  with  respect  to  my  growth  in  grace,  and  I 
find,  that  although  I  have  reason  to  mourn,  that 
with  the  privileges  I  enjoy  I  make  so  small  improve- 
ment in  the  Divine  life,  yet  I  make  some. 
Blessed  be  God  for  it!  Oh,  to  make  more  rapid 
advances !  On  Friday  evening  I  felt  much  assisted 
in  conducting  worship  in  Mr.  Bradford's  family. 
This  day  I  preached  on  the  great  duty  of  forgiving 
our  enemies.     Oh,  for  a  heart  truly  to  forgive  mine ! 

"  The  Lord  was  pleased  to  assist  me  at  his  table.  I 
felt  some  movements  of  the  affections,  though  not 
much.  I  was,  however,  enabled  to  act  faith  in  the 
sacrifice  of  Christ,  so  as  to  have  communion  mth 
him  in  his  broken  body  and  shed  blood,  receiving 
them  as  broken  and  shed  for  me.  My  mind  was  com- 
posed, so  that  I  was  able  to  meditate.  My  confession 
respected  sins,  which  I  have  for  some  time  been  in  the 
habit  of  confessing,  and  my  petitions  respected  bless- 
ings, which  have  for  some  time  formed  the  burden  of 
my  prayers.  I  hope  I  prayed  in  faith,  pleading  the 
fulness,  the  death  of  Christ,  the  promises,  and  oath, 
and  covenant  of  God,  and  my  future  destination  to 
perfect  purity.  My  mind  one  day  last  week  seemed 
turned  toward  the  grave,  and  it  seemed  that  it 
would  be  a  sweet  resting-place.  My  heart  is  dread- 
fully depraved.     What  envy !     What  selfishness !     I 


176  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

have  endeavoured  to  mourn  over  tlaem,  and  nail 
tliem  to  the  cross  of  my  Saviour.  I  pray  to  be 
delivered  from  them.  Victories  over  them,  I  have,  I 
trust,  gained  by  divine  grace,  and  this  is  my  encour- 
agement to  carry  on  the  conflict.  Happy  period, 
when  I  shall  be  freed  from  them  entirely;  and  from 
all  other  sin ! 

The  first  breach  in  Dr.  Janeway's  family  occurred 
at  this  time.  A  child  of  uncommon  lovliness  and 
promise  was  removed  by  death.  His  father  returned 
from  church  in  time  to  see  him  expire.  There  was 
much  of  comfort  in  his  departure,  and  his  father  was 
enabled  to  resign  him  with  humble  confidence,  into 
the  hands  of  a  gracious  God.  The  lessons  of  sub- 
mission which  he  had  enforced  on  others,  he  now 
learned,  and  all  the  recorded  exercises  of  his  heart 
were  in  accordance  with  the  calm  dignity  of  his 
piety.  Gone,  but  not  lost !  In  glory  before  the 
throne,  and  not  amid  the  sins  of  earth.  On  the  next 
Sabbath  he  endeavoured  to  improve  it  to  his  people's 
good,  and  to  profit  himself  by  God's  dealings. 

The  year  closed  by  asking  himself  the  question, 
''What  comfort  do  I  derive  from  religion?"  and  his 
answer  was,  that  he  was  not  favoured  with  those 
lively  consolations  which  are  the  lot  of  some  of 
God's  dear  people;  yet  he  could  share  in  various 
ways  in  its  comforts.  He  blesses  God  for  the  steady 
hope  that  he  enjoyed,  and  that  uneasy  doubts  seldom 
disturbed  his  serene  peace.  While  God's  grace  was 
the  cause  of  this,  yet,  as  a  means  to  this  blessed  end, 
he  recognizes  frequent  self-examination,  and  search- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  177 

ing  into  tlie  nature  and  evidences  of  a  gracious  stats. 
Casting  himself,  and  all  his  cares  and  anxieties  upon 
God,  with  all  the  unfeigned  resignation  of  a 'child 
who  trusted  in  its  father,  he  prays — God's  will  be 
done,  and  give  me  grace  to  acquiesce. 


CHAPTER    V. 
1811  TO  1829. 

Publislies  on  tlie  Abrahamic  Covenant — Foreign  Missions — War — 
Dr.  Green's  Removal — Separation  of  the  two  Churches — Sole 
Pastor. 

Sabbath,  January  6,  1811.  "It  has  pleased  the 
Lord  to  prolong  my  life.  How  many  thousands 
have  died  during  the  last  year  I  but  my  life  has  been 
spared,  How  many  thousands  have  languished  in 
sickness!  but  I  have  enjoyed  health.  How  many 
millions  have  lived  the  year  out  under  thick  Heathen- 
ish darkness !  but  I  have  enjoyed  the  light  of  the 
glorious  gospel  of  Christ.  How  many  who,  although 
they  hear  the  gospel  calls  and  invitations,  yet  have 
been  living  in  a  state  of  sin  and  condemnation !  but 
I  have,  I  trust,  been  enabled,  by  free  and  sovereign 
15* 


178  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

grace,  to  spend  the  year  in  a  state  of  peace  and 
friendship  with  God.  and  in  hope  of  a  blissful  immor- 
tality. Oh,  to  grace,  how  great  a  debtor !  I  mourn 
over  the  sins  of  the  last  year,  and  beseech  grace  to 
spend  this  more  than  any  heretofore  to  the  glory  of 
God.  This  year  finds  us  one  less  in  family.  It  has 
pleased  Almighty  God  to  remove  our  dear  babe  from 
us.     We  bow  to  the  stroke  of  Divine  Providence." 

"We  find  him,  during  the  early  months  of  the  year, 
steadily  treading  his  wonted  path — frequently  exam- 
ining the  evidences  of  his  piety  and  his  growth  in 
grace,  thanking  God  constantly  for  the  manner  in 
which  his  whole  life  had  been  ordered,  and  the 
mercies  which  were  round  about  him.  In  June,  a 
fearful  fire  raged  in  New  York,  and  threatened  to 
consume  the  house  which  his  father  bad  given  him, 
and  from  which  a  large  part  of  his  support  was 
derived ;  and  though  an  hundred  houses  were  con- 
sumed, and  the  fire  raged  around  his  property,  yet  a 
merciful  Providence  preserved  it.  He  gives  God 
thanks,  and  prays  that  all  that  he  has  may  be  sancti- 
fied in  a  proper  use  to  the  glory  of  God. 

The  old  perplexity  returns.  He  feels  the  difiicul- 
ties  of  his  position,  and  fancies  himself  inadequate  to 
the  position.  He  sighs  at  times  for  a  country  charge, 
more  fitted  to  his  measure,  and  affording  more  time 
for  projected  study.  Still,  he  fears  to  go,  unless  he 
is  sent.  Two  congregations  in  the  Eeformed  Dutch 
connection  make  overtures  of  removal.  He  frankly 
tells  them  what  his  ideas  had  been,  but  that  he  could 
not  commit  himself  in  advance,  but,  if  called,  would 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  179 

prayerfully,  and  in  full  view  of  the  whole  subject, 
decide  in  the  fear  of  God.  His  venerated  teacher  in 
Theology,  Dr.  Livingston,  urges  him  to  prea*ch  in 
the  church  at  New  Brunswick,  with  many  kind  and 
flattering  expressions.  His  heart  yearned  toward  his 
pupil,  and  he  desired  to  renew  and  cement  their 
friendship.  He  calmly  leaves  all  to  the  ordinations 
of  Providence,  and  schools  his  heart,  lest  his  own 
desires  give  undue  colouring  to  the  case  before  him. 

Sabbath;  September  1.  '^  This  evening  I  examined 
myself  on  that  resolution,  *to  do  the  best  of  my 
ability,  and  then  disregard  the  opinion  of  the  world, 
and  be  superior  to  its  smiles  and  frowns.'  I  trust 
that  I  have  gained  some  victories  in  this  matter ;  but 
still  I  perceive  that  I  have  not  obtained  that  superi- 
ority at  which  I  would  aim,  and  that  I  am  too  much 
influenced  by  the  opinion  of  the  world.  The  Lord 
give  me  grace  to  rise  and  conquer !  Oh,  for  a  holy 
courage  that  shall  lift  me  above  selfish  considera- 
tions !  Oh,  for  a  heart  full  of  compassion  to  souls, 
and  fired  with  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God !" 

On  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  December,  the  theatre 
at  Eichmond,  Yirginia,  was  consumed,  and  in  the 
flames  perished  one  hundred  and  fifty  persons  of  the 
most  respectable  in  the  State.  A  profound  sensation 
was  produced,  and  gloom  hung  over  the  nation. 
The  Presbyterian  clergy  of  Philadelphia  resolved  to 
improve  the  event,  and  preach  against  the  lawfulness 
of  theatrical  exhibitions.  Dr.  Janeway  records  that, 
in  the  preparation  of  his  sermon,  he  looked  to  God 
for  direction,  counsel,  prudence,  wisdom,  and  faith- 


180  LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

fulness.  He  pleaded  the  promise,  ''  If  any  man  lack 
wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God."  "  I  trust  I  acted  faith 
in  the  promise,  and  felt  a  confidence  that  God  would 
grant  it.  I  prayed,  too,  that  I  might  feel  for  my 
people,  and  even  weep  over  them.  God,  I  think,  has 
heard  my  prayers."  The  session  of  the  church 
ordered  a  pertinent  address  to  be  read  from  the 
pulpit,  in  which  notice  was  given  that  attendance  at 
the  theatre  would  subject  church  members  to  the 
discipline  of  the  church. 

In  the  year  1812,  he  published  his  Letters  on  "the 
Abrahamic  Covenant,  as  establishing  the  right  of 
the  children  of  believing  parents  to  the  ordinance  of 
baptism.  Amid  the  cares  of  his  parochial  labour,  he 
found  time  to  prepare  this  work.  It  consisted  of  a 
series  of  letters,  addressed  to  the  people  of  his  charge, 
on  this  great  subject.  It  grew  out  of  an  intention 
of  preaching  on  the  matter;  but  the  materials  so 
increased  on  his  hand  that,  fearing  he  might  weary 
them  by  too  many  discourses  on  one  theme,  he  relin- 
quished his  first  plan,  and  determined  to  give  the 
results  of  his  investigation  to  the  public.  It  was 
done  amid  much  prayer.  He  sought  Divine  direc- 
tion, and  prayed  that  no  pride  of  authorship  should 
be  gratified  at  the  expense  of  the  edification  of  the 
church.  It  was  a  careful  examination  of  the  Covenant 
made  with  Abraham,  as  the  father  of  believers,  and  as 
comprehending  gentiles,  as  well  as  his  seed,  according 
to  the  flesh.  It  had  no  limit  to  be  determined  by  the 
fall  of  the  Jewish  dispensation,  but  was  co-extensive 
with  the  kingdom  of  Christ  upon  earth.     Gentiles 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  181 

and  their  seed  have  an  equal  right  to  its  blessings, 
as  much  for  the  children  as  for  their  parents.  Chil- 
dren have  therefore  a  Divine  right  to  baptism,  of 
which  none  can  lawfully  deprive  them.  He  next 
examines  the  ordinary  objections,  the  incapacity  of 
children,  the  silence  of  Kew  Testament  writers,  the 
want  of  positive  announcement,  and  the  fact  that  no 
obligation  arose  from  infant  baptism,  and  answers 
them  conclusively.  He  then  examines  the  mode  of 
baptism,  and  shows  that  immersion  had  no  exclusive 
claims,  but  that  the  application  of  water  by  sprink- 
ling, or  affusion,  was  equally  valid  when,  according 
to  the  Divine  formula,  the  ordinance  was  adminis- 
tered. 

Dr.  Janeway  entertained  high  ideas  of  the  precious 
nature  of  the  privilege,  and  the  bounden  duty  of 
Christian  parents  to  present  their  infant  offspring 
to  God.  He  did  not  merely  defend  the  received  faith 
of  God's  church  on  this  matter,  but  ever  insisted 
upon  it  as  a  part  of  our  covenant  obligations,  from 
which  we  could  not  escape  without  sin.  He  rejoiced 
in  the  privilege  in  the  case  of  his  own  children,  and 
solemnly  entered  upon  it  as  a  transaction  with  God. 
He  urged  it  upon  his  people  in  his  weekly  ministra- 
tions, and  sought  to  have  the  privilege  enjoyed  by 
all  the  children  born  in  his  large  congregations. 

The  work  was  favourably  received,  and  the  edition 
soon  exhausted.  Many  years  have  passed  since  it 
has  been  out  of  print.  His  venerable  preceptor,  in  a 
letter,  says :  "  It  will  gratify  me  if  any  recommenda- 
tion from  me  will  bring  your  book  into  public  notice. 


182  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

I  liave  already  mentioned  my  approbation  of  it.  I 
make  no  doubt  that,  wlien  its  merits  are  known,  it 
will  be  generally  esteemed  and  pnrcbased  witb  avidity. 
I  think  it  well  calculated  to  establish  a  point  which 
has  not  been  sufficiently  explained  and  understood." 

Commendation  from  such  a  source  was  dear  to 
him.  Nor  did  he  commit  it  to  the  public  till,  after 
solemn  and  special  prayer,  he  sought  Divine  guidance. 
He  inquired  into  his  motives  in  writing,  and  the 
prospect  of  its  usefulness;  and  only  then,  when 
satisfied  with  the  purity  of  his  intentions,  and  with 
thanksgiving  to  God  for  assistance  in  its  preparation, 
did  he  send  it  forth  to  the  world  in  defence  of  a  great 
privilege,  and  the  precious  rights  of  the  infant  mem- 
bers of  the  church  of  the  living  God. 

At  this  time,  the  earliest  movements  occurred 
which  inaugurated  missions  to  the  distant  heathen. 
Gordon  Hall,  of  fragrant  memory,  Samuel  Nott,  and 
Luther  Kice  embarked  at  Philadelphia  for  Hindoo- 
stan — the  first  ofierings  of  the  American  churches  to 
the  gentile  world.  "  Blessed  be  God,"  Dr.  Janeway 
writes,  "  that  I  can  record  it,  that,  on  Tuesday  last, 
sailed  an  American  mission  from  this  city  for  the 
East  Indies.  And  blessed  be  God  for  the  liberal 
contributions  made  by  our  churches  to  supply  the 
wants  of  the  missionaries.  It  was  a  good  season  to 
my  soul.  I  felt  stirred  up.  I  wept  to  think  of  my 
want  of  zeal  and  engagedness,  and  prayed  for  a 
missionary  spirit.  On  Monday  night,  in  the  Taber- 
nacle Church,  while  praying  for  the  missionaries,  my 
soul  was  melted,  and  tears  flowed.     On  Friday  eve- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  183 

ning  last,  God  helped  me  in  prayer.  I  had  much 
enlargement."  His  was  the  true  missionary  spirit.  It 
lay  near  his  heart.  Of  his  ability,  he  freely  gave ; 
and  until  the  Presbyterian  church,  in  its  distinctive 
capacity,  engaged  in  foreign  missions,  he  gave  to 
the  American  Board,  as  the  only  channel  through 
which  his  benefactions  could  flow  out  to  the  heathen. 
Having  made  a  special,  and,  for  his  means,  a  large 
donation  to  Harriet  Newell,  of  precious  memory,  he 
records,  afterwards,  that  the  reading  of  her  memoir 
was  a  full  remuneration  for  any  pecuniary  sacrifice. 

Sabbath,  April  18.  ''This  evening,  reflecting  on 
the  success  of  some  in  their  ministerial  labours,  and 
my  want  of  success,  it  occurred  to  me  that  my  own 
interest  was  nothing  in  comparison  with  the  salvation 
of  souls ;  and  if  they  be  saved,  it  is  no  matter  what 
becomes  of  my  reputation.  God  does  not  need  my 
services.  He  can  cast  me  aside,  and  carry  on  his 
own  work.  The  will  of  God  be  done !  Yet,  as  it  is 
my  privilege  and  duty,  I  will  pray  that  1  may  be 
used  as  an  instrument  for  doing  good.  My  heart  is 
cold.  Oh,  that  it  were  animated  and  warmed  with 
apostolic  zeal !" 

In  June,  war  was  declared  against  Great  Britain ; 
and  he  saw  the  chastising  hand  of  God  in  this  judg- 
ment following  on  the  heels  of  other  visitations. 
He  feared  the  interruption  of  the  missions  in  the 
East.  He  dreaded  an  alliance  with  France,  as 
full  of  unmixed  misery  to  this  country.  He  had 
seen,  in  his  position  in  Philadelphia,  the  wasting 
influence  of  its  infidelty,  which  those  who  fraternized 


184:  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY. 

with  her  revolutions  had  adopted,  to  the  ruin  of  souls 
among  us.  His  own  personal  interests  were  involved 
in  the  risk  which  New  York  would  run  from  its 
exposed  situation.  These  he  would  leave  to  ordaining 
Providence.  But  his  country,  her  fair  fame  and  her 
prosperity,  lay  near  his  heart;  and  often  did  he 
breathe  out  his  prayers  for  Grod's  interposing  hand. 
In  July,  at  the  recommendation  of  the  General 
Assembly,  and  of  the  Governor  of  Pennsylvania,  a 
day  of  humiliation  and  of  prayer  was  observed.  He 
notes  that,  to  all  appearance,  it  had  been  well 
observed ;  and  in  the  next  month  the  whole  nation 
were  summoned  by  the  President  to  humble  them- 
selves before  God.  This  was  a  matter  of  joy  to  him, 
in  common  with  Christian  citizens,  inasmuch  as 
twelve  years  had  passed  since  any  such  national 
recognition  of  God  had  occurred.  It  seemed  to 
exhibit  a  disposition  to  return  to  the  good  old  cus- 
toms of  our  forefathers,  and  would  serve  to  turn 
away  God's  displeasure  from  us. 

To  Dr.  Janeway,  an  event  occurred  at  this  time  of 
much  personal  interest.  It  was  the  election  of  Dr. 
Green  to  the  presidency  of  the  College  of  New 
Jersey.  "  A  crisis  approaches.  My  colleague  will 
probably  leave  this  city  for  Princeton.  What 
changes  may  occur,  I  know  not.  I  am  endeavour- 
ing to  prepare  my  mind  for  different  events ;  and  I 
pray  to  God  for  direction.  Sometimes  I  think  of 
giving  up  my  charge,  and  going  elsewhere,  because 
my  time,  when  I  stand  alone,  will  be  too  much 
engrossed  by  preparation  for  the  pulpit.     Then   I 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  185 

tliink  I  must  not.  I  desire  to  leave  it  with  God.  I 
bore  this  matter  to  my  Lord  at  his  table.  I  cry  to 
him  for  instruction ;  I  plead  his  promises ;  I  desire 
his  will  to  be  done ;  I  feel  my  insufficiency,  but  he 
has  promised  to  be  with  me.  Perhaps  it  may  be  for 
the  interest  of  religion  that  another  should  occupy 
my  station ;  if  so,  I  wish  to  resign  it,  God  knows ! 
Christ  loves  his  church.    His  will  be  done !     Amen." 

In  October,  Dr.  Green  decided  to  accept,  and  the 
people,  out  of  respect  to  his  views  of  duty,  made  no 
opposition.  A  union  of  the  colleagues  of  thirteen 
years  was  to  be  dissolved.  Never  had  there  been 
variance,  but  always  peace,  friendship,  and  harmony. 
The  junior  pastor  invokes  God's  blessing  upon  his 
departing  friend. 

October  25,  Sabbath.  ''This  day  I  stood  before 
my  people  as  their  sole  pastor.  Last  Tuesday,  Dr. 
Green  was  dismissed  from  his  charge.  Thus  a  con- 
nection which  has  subsisted  between  him  and  me 
for  almost  fourteen  years  has  been  dissolved.  My 
burden  is  great,  my  station  very  responsible.  I  feel 
its  importance  and  my  own  insufficiency.  I  am 
meditating  on  the  promises,  and  endeavour  to  trust 
in  God  for  all  needed  aid.  He  hath  said,  'Lo,  I  am 
with  you  always !  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  you.  I 
will  never  leave  nor  forsake  you  1'  Precious  pro- 
mises I  May  my  faith  be  strong !  What  may  be 
the  Lord's  will,  I  know  not.  I  am  praying  to  know 
it.  Sometimes  I  think  of  retiring  from  this  place, 
in  the  expectation  of  becoming  more  useful  by 
having  more  time  for  study.  The  Lord  direct  me, 
16 


186  LIFE  OF  DB.  J.  J.  JANE  WAV. 

and  preserve  me  from  error.  When  I  touclied  on 
the  dissolution  of  our  connection,  my  soul  felt,  and 
Tdj  voice  faltered.  I  liave  loved  mj  colleague,  and 
lie  lias  loved  me.    May  our  friendsliip  be  perpetual !" 

A  separation  of  the  two  churches  was  under  dis- 
cussion. As  the  one  in  the  Northern  Liberties  had 
increased,  and  was  now  able  to  sustain  the  gospel, 
Dr.  Janeway  was  in  favour  of  the  movement.  It 
drew  from  the  people  in  the  new  church,  expressions 
of  the  most  ardent  attachment,  and  they  urged  as 
their  chief  objection,  their  unwillingness  to  leave  his 
pastoral  care.  The  Presbytery  confirmed  the  separa- 
tion, and  dissolved  the  pastoral  relation.  Dr.  Jane- 
way  was  appointed  to  organize  the  First  Presbyte- 
rian church  in  the  IS'orthern  Liberties.  Fourteen 
years  and  more  had  he  served  them,  and  he  was 
honoured  of  God  in  building  up  the  church,  by  in- 
crease in  the  n amber  of  their  worshippers,  and  in 
bringing  souls  into  his  kingdom.  When  he  an- 
nounced to  them  that  he  was  no  longer  their  pastor, 
a  great  sensation  was  produced,  and  in  the  afternoon 
he  laboured  to  show  that  the  new  arranoements  were 
for  their  good;  and  finally,  to  soothe  their  feelings, 
it  was  required  by  them,  that  he  should  continue  to 
preach  with  them,  in  exchange  with  the  minister 
whom  they  might  call.  Deeply  gratifying  to  his 
feelings  was  the  affection  manifested,  and  long  was 
his  memory  precious  among  those  who  heard  the 
gospel  from  his  lips. 

''God  has  given  me,"  he  writes  about  this  time, 
"  a  very  conspicuous  station.     But  my  ambition  is  to 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  187 

have  a  people  tliat  love  me,  and  if  it  were  the 
pleasure  of  God,  I  think  I  could  without  reluctance, 
retire  from  my  present  charge  to  one  in  the  country. 
What  avails  being  known,  except  deriving  from  it 
opportunity  for  doing  good?  May  I  be  humble, 
active,  diligent,  successful,  useful."  So  much  was  his 
mind  exercised  on  the  subject,  that  after  much 
prayer,  it  seemed  to  him  to  be  his  duty  to  resign  his 
charge,  though  he  decided  to  wait  until  the  ensuing 
spring.  As  far  as  he  could  see,  his  mind  decided, 
for  reasons  which  satisfied  him  then,  to  seek  a 
place  more  retired,  and  where  he  hoped  to  live  in 
the  hearts  of  a  rural  population.  He  did  not  fail  to 
confer  with  his  venerable  preceptor,  and  lay  his 
heart  bare.  In  reply,  he  received  the  following 
letter,  which,  for  its  excellent  spirit  and  Christian 
friendship,  and  as  exhibiting  a  specimen  of  that 
excellent  and  holy  man,  we  insert : — 

"  With  much  attention  and  tender  concern  I  have 
read  your  last  esteemed  letter.  I  enter  fully  into 
your  meaning,  and  I  think  I  know  your  feelings  and 
views.  They  are,  I  hope,  correct  and  proper.  The 
desire  you  cherish  may  be  well  founded;  and  as 
such,  it  will  meet  with  the  Divine  approbation.  But 
let  me  remind  you,  that  it  is  usual  with  the  Lord  in 
his  divine  providence,  to  make  his  children  wait  for 
the  accomplishment,  even  of  those  designs  which  he 
himself  has  excited.  In  this  way,  they  learn  to  Hve 
by  faith,  and  exercise  patience,  which  last  is  one  of 
the  most  dif6.cult  to  learn  and  practise,  of  all  tlie 
Christian  graces.  Let  what  passes  in  your  mind  re- 
main there  undisclosed,  at  least  for  the  present ;  what 
you  impart  to  me  is  sacred  and  secret,  but  it  will  not 


188  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

be  advisable  as  yet,  to  intimate  any  fixed  design  of 
this  kind  to  your  people,  because  it  migbt  alienate 
your  best  friends,  and  until  the  Lord  opens  another 
door  it  would  expose  you  to  very  unpleasant  conse- 
quences. "Wait  for  the  Lord  and  upon  the  Lord  in 
his  time,  which  is  always  the  best.  He  will  help 
and  provide  for  you,  and  perhaps  sooner  than  you 
may  anticipate.  In  the  meantime  be  not  discour- 
aged nor  uneasy ;  read  the  37th  Psalm,  exercise  trust 
and  confidence  in  your  covenant  Lord — all  will  be 
well.  But  remember,  a  good  place  is  better  than  a 
bad  change;  but,  if  a  change  for  the  better  can  be 
effected,  it  will  be  a  matter  of  praise  and  gratitude. 
It  is  sufficiently  known  among  your  faithful  friends, 
that  you  contemplate,  if  practicable,  a  removal ;  they 
will  be  mindful  of  you,  and  do  all  they  can  to  meet 
your  wishes." 

And  again,  under  date  December  1,  1813  : — 

"From  your  last  letter  I  find  the  idea  of  relin- 
quishing your  present  station  has  become  matured, 
and  you  are  determined  upon  the  measure.  Before 
I  make  any  observations  upon  your  determination, 
let  me  express  my  gladness  that  you  have  resolved 
to  postpone  your  declaration  upon  that  subject  until 
next  spring.  This  is  the  most  prudent  step  you 
could  adopt ;  it  saves  you  in  the  first  instance,  from 
all  the  serious  inconveniences  which  would  over- 
whelm you  and  your  dear  wife  and  children,  by 
undertaking  a  removal  in  a  dreary  winter,  and  it  may 
be  the  means  of  gradually  restoring  your  mind,  and 
rendering  you  reconciled  with  your  present  situation. 
What  the  immediate  and  principle  motives  are, 
which  excite  in  you  a  wish  to  leave  the  church 
where  you  have  successfully,  and  with  reputation 
laboured  so  many  years,  I  do  not  know ;  you  have 


LIFE   OF   DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  189 

never  communicated  them  to  me.  I  hope  they  are 
not  so  essential  to  your  peace  as  to  make  it  imprac- 
ticable for  you  to  remain.  It  is  possible  that  by 
indulging  a  dislike  these  motives  may  be  magnified, 
and  from  small  beginnings,  they  may  become  great 
and  intolerable.  But  my  dear  friend,  suffer  me 
with  paternal  faithfulness  and  affection,  to  mention, 
that  notwithstanding  your  wishes  and  prayers,  it  is 
possible  that  the  Lord  may  leave  you  to  follow  your 
own  inclinations;  and,  although  his  faithfulness  be 
engaged  to  save  and  help  all  his  people  who  call 
upon  him  and  put  their  trust  in  him ;  yet  it  is  well 
known,  that  by  giving  them  the  object  of  their 
vehement  desires,  he  often  humbles  them,  and  weans 
them  from  their  want  of  patience  and  resignation  to 
his  disposing  will. 

"  I  have  always  considered  ministers  of  the  gospel 
to  be,  like  military  men,  at  the  sovereign  and  sole 
disposal  of  the  Captain.  When  he  orders  or  com- 
mands, there  must  be  no  question  raised ;  when  he 
says  March,  they  must  go ;  when  he  directs  to  halt, 
they  must  stop ;  and  when  he  assigns  their  quarters, 
they  must  pitch  their  tents,  and  contentedly  there 
remain,  whatever  might  be  the  inconveniences  or 
contrary  wishes,  as  is  expressed  Kum.  ix.  22 ;  whether 
it  were  two  days,  or  a  month,  or  a  year,  that  the 
cloud  tarried  upon  the  tabernacle,  remaining  thereon 
the  children  of  Israel  abode  in  their  tents  and  jour- 
neyed not ;  but  when  it  was  taken  up  they  journeyed. 
You  may  find  unpleasant  circumstances  where  you 
now  are ;  but  you  may  also  meet  with  circumstances, 
not  only  more  unpleasant,  but  very  painful,  in  any 
other  place  to  which  you  might  remove.  At  any  rate 
it  appears  to  me  a  duty  for  a  minister  of  the  gospel, 
whatever  may  be  his  private  wishes,  to  stand  and 
stay  at  his  post  until  his  Lord  shall  open  a  plain  and 
honourable  door  for  his  entrance  elsewhere.  How 
16* 


190  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE VV AY. 

many  of  liis  precious  servants  have  long  laboured 
and  plowed  with  great  toil  and  many  discourage- 
ments upon  a  rock  without  much  or  any  visible 
success,  and  yet,  at  length,  found  prosperity  and 
comfort  beyond  their  expectation !  Who  knows 
what  is  yet  in  store  for  you  ?  it  may  far  exceed  your 
hope ;  be  not  discouraged !  I  know  that  you  know 
more  than  most  of  those  around  you,  and  you  will, 
through  grace,  be  enabled  to  maintain  your  station 
with  high  credit  and  usefulness ;  whatever  it  may  be, 
leave  it  all  with  your  blessed  Master.  -Learn  content- 
ment and  praise !  Your  Lord  will  help  and  defend 
you.  I  wish  you  may  not,  by  any  means,  communi- 
cate to  any  person  around  you  the  uneasiness  of 
your  mind — wait  patiently ;  the  Lord  will  help,  and 
defend,  and  comfort  you. 

*'  Mrs.  Livingston  joins  in  tender  love  to  Mrs.  Jane- 
way  and  yourself.  I  bless  you,  my  dear  friend,  and 
am 

Faithful  and  aflfectionate, 
Rev.  Mr.  Janeway.  J.  H.  LIVINGSTON." 

The  exercises  of  his  mind  were  painful;  and 
though  all  the  circumstances  are  not  detailed  in  his 
journal,  it  is  evident  that  nothing  but  a  stern  sense 
of  duty  could  have  brought  him  to  resolve  on  such 
a  sacrifice.  His  church  was  as  conspicuous  as  any 
in  our  communion.  The  city  was  then  the  place  of 
the  meeting  for  the  General  Assembly.  His  support 
was  comfortable.  He  was  in  the  vigour  of  his  days, 
and  was  cherished  by  his  people  though  he  knew  it 
not.  The  family  of  his  wife  were  round  about  him. 
"We  suppose  it  was  part  of  the  discipline,  through 
which  his  Heavenly  Father  was  leading  him.  The 
nature  of  the  lesson  we  know  not ;  but,  doubtless,  ere 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  191 

this,  in  glory's  fuller  light,  he  knows  it  all — lie  sees  it 
all.  The  late  Dr.  A.  Alexander  was  consulted,  and 
his  letters  breathe  a  pure  friendship,  and  everything 
is  done  and  suggested  by  that  great  man,  to  lead  his 
friend  to  a  proper  decision. 

As  the  year  1814  dawned,  the  Lord,  in  kindness, 
began  to  show  him  his  will.  He  preached  in  the 
Presbyterian  church  at  N"ew  Brunswick,  vacant  by 
the  decease  of  Dr.  Clark,  on  their  invitation.  When 
it  was  told  him  by  a  leading  elder  that  they  would 
call  him,  he  candidly  told  them  of  the  exercises 
through  which  his  mind  had  passed,  and  that  in  the 
fear  of  God  he  would  decide.  An  opportunity  to 
which  so  long  and  so  anxiously  he  had  looked,  was 
now  likely  to  occur.  He  goes  to  the  mercy-seat,  and 
lays  himself  at  the  disposal  of  a  sovereign  Grod. 
His  cry  is — "  Thy  will  be  done !  Show  me  thy  way, 
and  give  me  grace  to  walk  therein !  I  offer  my  heart 
to  God,  as  clay  in  the  hands  of  a  potter,  that  he  may 
fashion  it  as  he  please." 

In  April  he  received  a  unanimous  call  from  the 
church  in  New  Brunswick.  His  mind  was  singularly 
calm.  He  saw  the  hand  of  the  Lord  stretched  out 
for  his  deliverance.  ISTow  his  perplexities  were 
likely  to  terminate ;  and,  in  the  issue,  he  would  find 
an  answer  to  the  questions  he  had  so  anxiously  pon- 
dered. He  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  to  be  ex- 
alted or  to  be  abased,  to  be  in  health  or  in  sickness  ; 
he  asks  for  grace  to  bear  any  affliction  appointed, 
and  any  prosperity  which  might  be  ordained.  It 
rallied  the  people  around  him,  it  opened  the  sluices 


192  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

of  their  emotionS;  it  gave  tiim  a  new  view  of  their 
affection,  in  the  sorrow  which  the  fear  of  his 
removal  gave  his  friends.  The  sensation  was  unex- 
pected and  surprising.  ^'  He  that  believeth  shall  not 
make  haste."  His  examination  was  deliberate  and 
cautions.  He  showed  in  this  crisis  as  much  tender- 
ness of  conscience,  and  as  much  freedom  from 
selfishness,  as  in  any  event  of  his  life. 

He  set  apart,  as  was  his  wont,  a  day  for  fasting 
and  prayer,  that  he  might  be  guided  to  a  right  deci- 
sion. The  session  came  up  as  one  man,  and  with 
affectionate  earnestness  besought  him  to  remain,  that 
in  their  view  his  removal  would  be  disastrous  to  the 
church,  and  injurious  to  the  interests  of  the  denomi- 
nation in  the  city.  Papers  numerously  signed  by 
the  people,  expressive  of  their  utmost  confidence 
and  love  were  placed  before  him.  He  decided  after 
much  prayer  to  remain.  The  outburst  of  affection 
from  his  people  scattered  his  previous  doubts 
and  fears. 

May  7,  1814.  "I  have  reason  to  be  very  thank- 
ful for  this  call.  It  has  produced  a  very  favourable 
impression  on  my  people.  It  has  excited  a  sensa- 
tion, and  drawn  forth  such  proofs  of  esteem,  as 
have  much  surprised  me.  I  feel  humble  and  thank- 
ful. My  people  really  appear  to  love  me,  and  to  be 
united  in  their  esteem  for  me  as  their  pastor. 
This  will  relieve  my  mind,  and  encourage  me  to  go 
on  in  my  labours.  Truly,  God  has  led  me  in  a  way 
I  knew  not,  and  in  paths  I  had  not  known ;  he  has 
made  darkness  light  before  me,  and  crooked  things 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  193 

straiglit.  These  things  he  has  done  for  me,  and  has 
not  forsaken  me.  For  years  I  have  committed  my 
ways  to  the  Lord ;  I  have  also  trusted  in  him,  and 
now,  according  to  his  gracious  promise,  he  has 
brought  it  to  pass.  I  see  the  hand  of  God  in  this 
matter!  I  praise,  I  adore  his  goodness!  'Bless  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  all  within  me  bless  his  holy 
name !  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  forget  not 
all  his  benefits !'  Now,  blessed  God,  endow  me 
plentifully  with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  abundantly 
prosper  my  labours  in  thy  church!  Oh,  for  faith, 
and  love,  and  zeal,  and  humility,  and  courage,  and 
prudence,  and  perseverance,  and  every  grace  requi- 
site to  a  faithful  and  laborious  discharge  of  ministe- 
rial duties.  The  call  came  at  the  exact  juncture  of 
time  to  produce  the  best  impression.  My  heart  has 
frequently  dissolved  in  gratitude  to  God  this  week, 
at  seeing  the  interest  my  call  has  excited  among  the 
people.  I  bless  God!  It  is  good  to  trust  in  him! 
Surely,  he  has  led  me  in  this  matter,  which  has  for 
years  occupied  my  thoughts !" 

The  load  lifted  up  from  him,  his  heart  melted  in 
gratitude.  He  speaks  of  a  communion  season  at  this 
time,  when  his  emotions  were  so  strong  that  his 
heart  for  a  moment  seemed  ready  to  burst.  He 
reckoned  that  such  feelings  were  the  groans  which 
cannot  be  uttered.  '^  When  a  man's  ways  please  the 
Lord,  he  maketh  even  his  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with 
him."  Dr.  Janeway  had  the  pleasure  of  finding  that 
the  leading  men  in  the  church  at  New  Brunswick 
acquiesced  in  the  honesty  of  his  decision.     An  elder 


194  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

of  Kew  Brunswick,  at  that  time  in  attendance  on 
the  General  Assembly,  seeing  the  deep  interest  the 
Second  Church  were  manifesting  toward  their 
pastor,  declared  himself  glad  that  the  call  had  been 
made,  and  though  sorry  for  their  own  disappoint- 
ment, yet  it  had  stirred  the  depths  of  feeling  in  the 
church  at  Philadelphia.  Dr.  Alexander  assured  him 
of  his  confidence,  and  that  he  had  not  heard  a  single 
remark  which  reflected  on  the  course  he  had  taken 
in  declining  the  call.  "  Let  me  bless  the  Lord  for 
his  merciful  interposition.  It  is  good  to  trust  in 
him,"  and  so  the  fears  which  had  oppressed  him  for 
years  were  swept  away,  in  a  "manner  so  kind  and  so 
wise  in  the  ordaining  of  Providence.  God  had 
settled  the  question  for  him,  and  he  must  stand  in  his 
lot,  for  his  Master  whom  he  loved  had  a  work  for 
him  to  perform. 

In  July,  he  lost  his  only  surviving  brother,  to 
whom  he  was  much  attached.  In  his  prayers  he 
pleads  that  it  may  be  sanctified,  and  when  visiting 
his  bereaved  friends,  he  sought  their  spiritual  benefit, 
and  commends  to  his  covenant  God,  the  widow  and 
her  fatherless  children. 

July  17,  Sabbath.  ''This  evening  I  had  some 
comfortable  reflections  while  walking  in  the  yard.  I 
was  thinking  of  the  gloomy  aspect  of  the  times,  and 
of  my  covenant  God.  I  felt  rich  and  happy  in  my 
infinite  portion,  and  felt  willing  to  resign  my  all  to 
the  good  pleasure  of  my  God.  My  expectations  of 
property  from  my  father,  may  be  dissipated  by  the 
enemy.     This  gives  me  little  or  no  uneasiness.     I 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  195 

commit  it  to  the  Lord !  Bat  I  feel  for  my  relations ! 
The  Lord  be  pleased  to  take  care  of  them,  and  grant 
them  his  gracious  protection  I"  The  enemy  at  that 
period  were  ravaging  our  coasts,  and  threatening 
New  York. 

August  17.  "This  has  been  observed,  by  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  General  Assembly  of  our  church, 
and  by  the  recommendation  of  the  G-overnment,  as  a 
day  of  humiliation  and  prayer,  on  account  of  the 
state  of  the  nation.  It  is  a  dark  day — a  season  of 
great  danger.  But  God  Almighty  reigneth,  and  can 
deliver  our  beloved  country  from  all  difl&culties  and 
dangers.  But  we  are  a  guilty,  ungrateful  and 
wicked  people !  Sins  awfully  abound.  What  a  long 
catalogue  might  I  here  draw.  I  have  endeavoured 
to  mourn  over  the  sins  of  my  country,  and  to  confess 
my  own,  and  ask  forgiveness.  I  have  pleaded  for  my 
country." 

The  college  at  Middlebury,  Vermont,  conferred 
on  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity.  He  bore 
his  honours  meekly,  and  prayed  that  it  might  be 
sanctified  to  him  in  its  highest  sense,  as  a  minister  of 
Jesus  Christ.  To  approve  himself  to  God  in  his 
high  work,  was  all  the  ambition  he  knew ;  and 
though  the  esteem  of  his  fellow  Christians  was  dear 
to  him,  and  no  man  was  more  sensible  to  affectionate 
treatment,  yet  his  great  desire  was  to  win  the  ap- 
proving smile  of  God.  Reputation  and  honour  he 
chiefly  valued  as  a  means  of  usefulness,  and  placing 
him  where  he  could  best  promote  a  cause  dearer  to 
him  than  life. 


196  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

The  fall  of  tlie  national  capital  before  the  British 
army,  the  blockade  of  the  Delaware,  and  the  conse- 
quent danger  of  Philadelphia,  creating  alarm  among 
the  citizens,  were  made  subjects  of  special  devotional 
exercises,  as  to  the  intention  of  Providence  and  his 
duty.  He  desired  thereby  to  improve  the  perturbed 
state  of  things  for  strengthening  his  faith  and  trust 
in  God.  He  sought  to  improve  the  times  by  such 
discourses  among  his  people  as  would  lift  their 
thoughts  to  God  as  the  Almighty  Kuler,  and  to  re- 
joice in  his  providence.  The  clouds  were  dark  and 
lowering — men's  hearts  were  failing  them  through 
fear.  The  repulse  of  the  enemy  at  Baltimore  and 
the  victory  on  Lake  Champlain  were,  in  his  view, 
signal  answers  to  prayers,  and  tended  to  dispel  the 
gloom  which  had  settled  on  the  land.  Though  con- 
demning the  war,  he  was  too  good  a  patriot  not  to  re- 
joice and  give  thanks  in  the  success  and  victories  of 
his  country,  and  he  did  not  think  it  wrong  to  pray 
for  other  victories  and  successes,  and  above  all  for  a 
speedy  and  honourable  peace — all  the  issues  he 
could  leave  calmly  in  the  Divine  hands. 

October  2.  ''  Yesterday  I  felt  refreshed  in  reading 
the  sermon  of  Prof.  Woods,  on  the  death  of  Harriet 
JSTewell.  I  admired  her  character.  I  felt  desirous  and 
willing  to  consecrate  all  I  am  and  have  to  my  Lord 
and  Kedeemer.  Oh !  they  were  precious  sensations ! 
In  reading  this  I  am  repaid  for  a  contribution  I  once 
made  to  the  mission,  with  which  this  excellent 
woman  was  connected." 

Sabbath,  November   6.    "In  the  course  of   last 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  .  197 

week,  I  found  the  benefit  of  the  remark  of  Judge 
Hale,  that  from  the  manner  in  which  we  spend  the 
Sabbath  we  may  conjecture  how  the  week  will  be 
spent.  Last  Sabbath  I  preached  at  the  camp,*  and 
from  the  circumstances  in  which  I  was  placed,  spent 
two  or  three  hours  in  a  way  I  by  no  means  liked. 
I  suspected  how  the  week  would  go.  Accordingly  I 
met  with  many  interruptions  in  my  studies.  To-day 
my  heart  has  been  cold.  Oh !  for  a  frame  suitable 
to  the  Sabbath !  I  ought  to  pray  more  for  it.  We 
have  encouragement  in  the  congregation.  I  have  in- 
stituted a  conference  meeting  for  the  benefit  of  awak- 
ened and  inquiring  persons.  It  is  well  attended. 
May  it  be  a  blessing!  Help,  0  Lord!  Oh,  how 
much  I  need  to  be  revived !  Have  mercy  on  me,  0 
God  of  my  salvation !  Oh,  that  it  were  with  me  as 
in  days  that  are  past!  I  need  grace  to  reconcile  m 
to  my  crosses !  Oh  I  to  take  them  in  faith  and  bear 
them  after  my  dearest  Lord !" 

January  1,  1815.  "  Permitted  to  enter  on  another 
year,  I  render  thanks  to  Almighty  Grod  for  his 
preserving  kindness.  How  many  have  died  last 
year!  My  brother  is  numbered  with  the  dead! 
But  the  Lord  has  spared  me  and  my  family.  Oh, 
may  I  and  they  live  for  God !  Great  changes  have 
taken  place  last  year.  How  astonishing  the  revolu- 
tion in  France !  And  0 !  what  changes  may  take 
place  this  year !     May  I  be  prepared  for  whatever 

^  The  clergy  of  Philadelphia  preached  in  turns  at  Camp  Dupont, 
where  the  citizen  soldiery  were  encamped  to  protect  tlie  approached 
to  the  city. 

17 


198/^  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

event  may  occur!  God  grant  me  grace  to  spend 
this  year  better  than  any  yet  spent  by  me  on  earth — 
Amen." 

January  29.  ''The  account  of  the  revival  of 
religion  at  Princeton  College  has  been  serviceable  to 
me.  It  has  excited  in  me  desires  for  a  personal 
revival,  and  for  one  in  our  church.  My  reflections 
last  evening  were  beneficial.  I  felt  to-day  in  public. 
Prayer  was  pleasant,  both  in  the  morning  and  in  the 
afternoon.  Oh,  for  a  revival !  The  revival  in  the 
college  goes  on  rapidly  and  powerfully.  The  Lord 
carry  on  his  glorious  work.  I  need  a  revival  in 
my  cold  heart." 

The  announcement  of  peace  filled  his  heart  witb 
joy  and  devout  praises  to  the  Ruler  of  nations.  Now 
he  hoped  missions  would  advance,  the  Theological 
Seminary  be  established,  the  work  of  God  prosper 
in  the  land,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  be  poured  from  on 
high. 

March  16.  ''This  day  I  set  apart  for  fasting  and 
prayer.  The  reasons  were  the  apprehensions  that 
difl'erences  might  arise  in  the  congregation,  owing  to 
its  being  a  collegiate  charge,  the  disputes  in  the  con- 
gregation in  the  Northern  Liberties,  and  my  need  of 
a  revival  of  religion.  It  occurred  to  me  to  do  away 
the  impression  in  the  minds  of  some  people  that  I 
was  unfriendly  to  prayer  meetings.  It  would  be  well 
to  attend  occasionally  or  frequently  on  Thursday 
evening,  and  perhaps  on  Sabbath  mornings,  when 
prayer  is  held  in  the  school-house.  I  prayed  God  to 
dispose  my  heart  to  every  duty,  and  to  make  me  a 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  199 

willing  servant,  and  that  what  I  do,  I  may  do  with 
tlie  heart  cheerfully.  I  felt  desirous  to  dispose  of 
my  time  and  of  my  power  in  any  way  that  the  Lord 
may  direct.  I  prayed  that  while  I  prosecuted  my 
studies  diligently,  I  may  do  it  patiently.  To  pre- 
serve peace  I  must  go  straight  on  in  discharging  my 
duties,  and  leave  the  event  with  God.  I  know  that 
imperfections  and  sins  cleave  to  me;  but  my  con- 
science bears  me  witness  that  I  endeavour  to 
cultivate  peace.  Contention  I  abhor  and  loathe. 
I  desire  to  regard'  the  apostolic  rule,  "If  it  be 
possible,  live  in  peace  with  all  men."  I  read  more; 
but  I  meditated  and  prayed  together,  and  tears  often 
rolled  down  my  cheeks.  I  renewed  my  covenant, 
and  feeling  exhausted  with  attending  on  my  devo- 
tions, I  concluded  them  with  asking  forgiveness  of 
the  sins  attending  them. 

"I  have  not  experienced  a  more  comfortable  day 
than  on  Monday  for  a  long  time.  I  was  visiting 
during  the  morning.  I  prayed  along  the  street,  and 
held  communion  with  God.  I  felt  the  love  of  Jesus, 
and  desired  much  to  love  him  more.  This  evening  was 
comfortable  to  me  in  the  school-house.  I  exhorted 
about  half  an  hour.  I  feel  desirous  to  be  revived. 
This  evening  I  inquired  into  the  causes  of  my  cold- 
ness. Several  presented  themselves,  viz.,  the  prevail- 
ing languor  of  the  time  of  my  settlement;  bodily 
infirmity,  producing  drowsiness,  which  greatly  marred 
my  devotions;  anxiety  to  press  on  in  my  studies, 
and  not  having  leisure  to  read  practical  books  in  a 
suitable  way.     I  felt  bumbled,  unworthy  to  occupy 


200  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

my  present  position,  and  UQWorthy  of  the  Christian 
ministry.  But  unworthy  as  I  am,  I  hope  the  Lord 
will  own  and  bless  my  labours.  I  desire  to  be 
instrumental  in  producing  a  revival  of  religion.  The 
Lord  bless  and  keep  me !" 

Sabbath,  May  21.  ''This  day  I  partook  of  the 
supper  of  our  Lord.  My  affections  were  much 
moved.  I  shed  many  tears;  I  accepted  my  Ee- 
deemer,  and  renewed  my  covenant.  I  do  not 
recollect  when  I  felt  more  in  a  communion  season. 
Blessed  be  God,  an  unusual  riumber  communed ! 
The  Lord  pardon  the  sins  of  my  holy  things,  and 
accept  my  sacrifice  I" 

A  week  after,  he  again  communed,  probably  in 
the  upper  church;  and  he  writes  that,  while  his 
affections  were  not  so  raised  as  on  the  Sabbath 
before,  yet  it  was  a  profitable  season.  He  welcomed 
the  thoughts  of  death,  and  the  hope  of  being  in 
heaven  entirely  free  from  sin.  He  earnestly  desired 
to  be  more  sanctified,  and  surrendered  himself  to 
God,  and  felt  willing  the  Lord  should  do  as  he 
pleased  in  regard  to  his  collegiate  charge,  either  to 
continue  or  to  dissolve  it. 

He  mentions  that  every  other  Sabbath  he  had  to 
preach  three  times,  and  it  was  too  much  for  him. 
The  old  pain  in  his  breast  recurred,  and  he  was 
compelled,  as  a  remedy,  to  resort  to  blood-letting. 
He  felt  his  insufiiciency  for  his  work.  Like  Paul, 
his  ideas  of  its  responsibility  were  large,  and  he 
exclaims:  ''Who  is  sufiicient  for  these  things?"  His 
location  in  Philadelphia  was  conspicuous.     But  his 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  201 

Master  had  sent  him  there,  and  there  he  would 
remain  till  he  was  pleased  to  call  him  thence.  In 
the  meanwhile,  he  would  rely  on  his  gracious  aid. 
He  compares  himself  with  eminent  believers,  whose 
memoirs  he  had  read,  and  finds  himself  greatly 
abased  by  the  comparison. 

Sabbath,  September  10.  ^'  My  devotions  have  not 
life  enough.  I  want  more  sensibility.  For  a  day  or 
two,  my  affections  have  been  somewhat  moved. 
This  day,  I  preached  with  comfort  from  Romans 
X.  1 — 'Brethren,  my  heart's  desire  and  prayer  to  God 
for  Israel  is  that  they  may  be  saved.'  I  have  reason 
to  be  thankful  that  I  am  enabled  to  preach  without 
writing  nearly  as  correctly  as  when  I  write.  It  may 
be  that  my  sermons  so  delivered  are  more  acceptable 
to  the  people.  May  the  Lord  direct  and  incline  my 
heart  in  the  discharge  of  my  duties ! 

^'My  colleague  seems  dissatisfied.  My  prayer  is 
that  the  Lord  would  give  such  an  issue  to  matters  as 
shall  be  most  for  his  own  glory  and  the  good  of  the 
church.  I  desire  to  have  my  will  melted  into  the 
will  of  my  heavenly  Father.  Appearances  are 
encouraging  in  the  congregation." 

About  this  period,  difficulties  began  to  appear  in 
the  congregation,  in  consequence  of  Mr.,  now  Rev. 
Dr.  Skinner  adopting  those  views  in  theology  which 
since  have  assumed  the  general  name  of  Neio  School, 
In  his  journal,  Dr.  Jane  way  speaks  of  his  colleague 
in  terms  of  uniform  kindness.  No  man  was  more 
decided  in  his  views  of  Divine  truth,  or  had  higher 
notions  of  the  ministerial  obligation  as  matter  of 
17* 


202  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

honour,  and  honestly  to  adhere  to  the  standards  of 
the  Presbyterian  church  as  they  had  been  uniformly 
interpreted  and  held  in  the  church.  He  could  not 
help  anxiety ;  but  he  carries  his  anxious  thoughts  to 
the  throne  of  grace.  Excursions  were  made  in 
behalf  of  the  theological  seminary  at  Princeton.  His 
success  in  collecting  funds  we  gather  from  other 
sources  than  his  journal.  He  speaks  modestly  of 
his  journeys  in  the  matter^  and  the  success  with 
which  God  favoured  him. 

Sabbath,  November  26.  '^Oh,  how  refreshing  to 
my  soul  the  letters  appended  to  the  Eleventh  Eeport 
of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society !  How  my 
heart  rejoiced  in  the  great  work  of  God,  in  beholding 
the  spread  of  his  Holy  Word,  in  the  zeal  to  distribute 
it,  and  in  the  eagerness  to  receive  itl  0  God 
prosper  the  work  more  and  more.  Let  thy  word  be 
given  to  all  people ! 

''I  laid  the  state  of  our  church  before  the  Lord, 
and  desired  to  be  willing  either  to  be  removed  from 
this  charge,  or  to  be  left  alone.  I  desired  to  remain 
in  a  collegiate  charge  if  it  be  the  will  of  God.  Oh, 
for  heavenly  wisdom  and  grace  to  be  diligent  and 
faithful!  Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord  and  Saviour,  I 
desire  to  repose  on  thy  promise  to  be  with  me." 

Sabbath,  December  10.  "  It  has  pleased  the  Lord 
to  send  to  this  city  the  Eev.  Drury  Lacy  [of  Vir- 
ginia] to  die,  and  to  edify  us  by  his  exemplary 
behaviour  in  his  last  illness.  He  submitted  to  a 
painful  operation,  which  proved  fatal.  He  was  raised 
entirely  above  the  fear  of  death,  and  repeated,  on  one 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  203 

occasion,   with   emptiasis,  two  verses  of  the   116th 
hyran,  2  book : 

'  How  can  I  sink  with  such  a  prop 

As  my  eternal  Grod, 
Who  bears  the  earth's  huge  pillars  up, 
And  spreads  the  heavens  abroad?'  &c. 

"  I  stood  at  his  bedside  about  an  half  hour  before 
his  decease ;  and  as  I  stood  looking  on  him,  then  in 
a  state  of  insensibility,  I  reflected,  There  is  the  servant 
of  God  just  going  to  receive  his  reward;  there  is 
that  mouth  which  was  employed  so  often  in  pro- 
claiming salvation  to  sinners,  just  about  to  be  closed 
in  death.  But  it  will  be  opened  again  in  celebrating 
the  praises  of  our  Eedeemer  in  a  new  and  nobler 
strain.  There  is  that  minister  just  about  to  receive 
his  crown  of  life.  Oh,  may  I  profit  by  such  occur- 
rences !  While  meditating  on  something  to  say  at 
his  interment,  I  was  refreshed;  my  soul  melted 
within  me ;  my  eyes  were  filled  with  tears." 

1816,  Sabbath,  January  7.  "The  Lord  has  been 
pleased  to  preserve  me  to  another  year.  I  bless 
him,  and  hope  to  be  enabled  to  live  this  year  more 
to  his  glory  than  in  the  last.  Oh,  for  more  grace ! 
I  am  sensible  that  I  have  not  been  as  zealous  as  I 
ought  to  have  been.  I  need  more  of  the  spirit  of 
my  station.  I  have  reason  to  be  thankful  that 
several  of  our  people  have  died  in  the  faith,  leaving 
a  testimony  behind  them  in  favour  of  religion. 
There  are  several  now  on  dying  beds  who  are  com- 
fortably supported  by  faith  in  the  Redeemer." 


204  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JAXEWAY. 

February  4,  Sabbath.  "  This  day  I  felt  very  differ- 
ently while  preaching  in  the  two  parts  of  the  day. 
In  the  morning,  I  was  out  of  spirits,  and  did  not  feel 
my  subject ;  but  in  the  afternoon  I  was  engaged  and 
affectionate.  The  service  was  pleasant.  The  Lord 
is  the  hearer  of  prayer.  My  uncomfortable  feelings 
in  the  morning  led  me  to  pray  more  for  help.  It 
was  granted ;  the  people  were  attentive ;  I  hope  good 
was  done;  I  have  followed  the  sermon  with  my 
prayers." 

His  former  charge,  now  under  the  care  of  Rev. 
James  Patterson,  was  enjoying  a  season  of  refresh- 
ing from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  He  rejoiced  in 
it,  and  though  the  showers  had  been  withhold  en 
while  the  church  remained  in  connection  with  the 
Arch  street,  yet  no  one  could  be  more  joyous  and 
apparently  free  from  envy,  at  the  blessing  which 
was  now  vouchsafed  to  the  people  among  whom  he 
had  gone  so  often  preaching  the  gospel.  He  set 
apart  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  to  plead  that  on 
his  own  flock,  and  on  his  own  soul  might  come  the 
gracious  visitation.  He  went  there  as  often  as  self- 
respect  would  permit ;  for,  alas !  the  truth  was,  that 
some  over-zealous  brethren  fancied  that  theirs  was 
the  power,  and  that  by  their  style  of  preaching  only 
the  work  could  advance.  Fourteen  years  had  Dr. 
Janeway  and  his  colleague.  Dr.  Grreen,  so^vn  the 
seed  in  season  and  out  of  season — preached  the 
gospel  in  its  holy  simplicity — and  now  a  sovereign 
God  was  pleased  to  grant  to  another  to  enter  upon 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  205 

their  labours  and  gather  in  the  harvest ;  was  not  the 
glory  God's  alone  ? 

Dr.  Janeway,  free  from  the  spirit  in  which  others 
indulged,  was  praying  and  labouring  to  have  the 
skirts  of  the  cloud  to  cover  his  people.  Every  ap- 
pearance of  hopefulness  he  hailed  with  delight,  and 
embarrassed  by  occurrent  circumstances,  he  prays  for 
holy  wisdom  to  direct  him,  lest  the  blessed  work  of 
God  should  in  any  wise  be  hindered.  He  prays  for 
zeal,  and  meekness,  and  wisdom.  To  more  fervid 
souls.  Dr.  Janeway  may  have  passed  for  one  impass- 
ible. Such  was  his  habitual  self-control — so  free 
from  extravagance,  and  so  much  were  all  his  actions 
moulded  by  ever-present  and  deep-seated  principle, 
that  men  who  did  not  know  him,  and  were  not  ad- 
mitted to  his  intimacy  were  disposed  to  judge  him 
harshly.  In  fact,  the  feeling  was  beginning  even  then 
which  found  its  full  development  in  the  excesses 
of  the  new  measures  which,  for  fifteen  or  twenty 
years,  dishonoured  religion.  Certain  men,  supposed 
to  be  alive  to  the  exigencies  of  the  times,  were  the  ones 
favoured  of  Heaven  to  conduct  revivals,  while  others 
were  drones  in  the  buzzing  hive.  Thanks  be  to  God, 
his  providence  has  vindicated  our  church,  and  at  this 
hour  she  stands  forth  with  the  frequent  seals  of  the 
Divine  blessing — an  honour  to  her  faith  and  a  bless- 
ing to  the  land. 

The  difficulties  in  the  congregation  increased — 
parties  were  formed.  It  may  be  assumed  that  there 
were  on  both  sides  indiscreet  persons,  who  inflamed 
the   evil   by   the  license   of  their  tongues.      Many 


206  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JAXEWAY. 

things  were  brought  to  Dr.  Jane  way,  calculated, 
whether  true  or  false,  to  wound  him,  and  excite  his 
indignation.  There  does  not  appear  an  unkind 
allusion  to  his  colleague.  He  felt  his  need  of  grace 
and  wisdom,  and  he  went  to  Him  who  giveth  liberally 
and  upbraideth  not.  There  is  frequent  mention  of 
days  appropriated  to  secret  fasting  and  prayer  dur- 
ing the  whole  of  this  painful  business.  The  burden 
of  his  prayer  was  that  God  would  relieve  the  con- 
gregation of  all  its  difficulties.  He  sought  its  peace 
at  any  sacrifice,  and  though  confident  of  his  standing 
in  the  affections  of  the  people,  he  volunteers  to  with- 
draw, that  the  people  might  start  afresh  with  new 
pastors.  It  was  declined,  and  the  whole  matter 
came  for  adjudication  before  Presbytery,  where  a 
compromise  was  offered,  and  Mr.  Skinner  withdrew 
to  another  field  of  labour.  Repeatedly  he  scru 
tinized  his  feelings  towards  the  junior  pastor,  and  the 
mode  of  his  treatment,  and  bating  the  imperfections 
which  he  knew  clave  to  all  his  actions,  he  could  find 
nothing  wherewith  to  reproach  himself.  He  re- 
proached himself  in  one  case,  because  he  did  not 
severely  rebuke  a  person  who  spoke  harshly  in  his 
presence  of  Mr.  Skinner;  over  the  excitement  in 
the  heated  state  of  the  parties  he  mourned;  and 
for  two  persons  who  were  betrayed  into  unseemly 
conduct  he  prayed,  and  when  the  separation  was 
complete,  and  the  Presbytery  had  dissolved  Mr.  Skin- 
ner's relation  to  the  church,  he  writes  :  ' '  The  Lord 
bless  my  late  colleague,  and  make  him  useful  in  his 
day  and  generation." 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  207 

Before  we  dismiss  this  matter,  whicli  spread  over 
nearly  two  years  in  the  history  of  that  church,  it 
may  be  proper  to  remark  that  the  difficulties  did  not 
involve  the  personal  relations  of  the  pastors — it  had 
reference  to  the  theological  views  which  Mr.  Skinner 
had  adopted,  and  which  were  distasteful  to  the  great 
majority  of  the  people.  Those  who  knew  anything 
of  the  two  men,  knew  that  their  theology  was  wide 
asunder.  Dr.  Skinner  strongly  sympathized  with 
the  new,  and  Dr.  Janeway  was  the  unmoved  advocate 
of  the  old.  A  year  before  his  death,  he  received, 
after  several  interviews  on  matters  of  common 
interest,  a  letter  from  Dr.  Skinner,  so  kind,  so  cordial, 
that  we  present  an  extract  from  it. 

Venerable  and  Dear  Sir  : 

It  is  quite  interesting  and  affecting  to  me, 
that  you  and  I,  who  forty -thl'ee  years  ago,  were 
associated  as  colleagues  in  the  pastoral  work,  should 
be  thus  communing  together,  here  on  the  verge  of 
life,  after  a  forty  years'  separation.  I  take  it  as  a 
special  mercy,  and  from  my  inmost  heart  I  bless  Grod 
for  it,  and  thank  you  for  the  friendly  regard  and  the 
courtesy  to  which,  as  the  occasion,  it  is  owing.  We 
are  both  soon  to  pass  away  from  the  world  to  re- 
appear together,  we  hope,  in  the  presence  of  Christ. 
How  good  and  pleasant,  that  ere  we  depart,  we  have 
had  this  meeting!" 

Dr.  Skinner   has   since  risen   to  eminence  in  the 
church,  and  been  advanced  to  posts  of  distinction 
among  those  in  whose  views  of  truth  he  sympathized 
and  is  yet,  in  advanced  life,  serving  the  cause  of  Jesus 


208  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY. 

Christ  with  faithfulness.  The  matter  has  been 
referred  to  as  making  a  link  in  the  life  chain  of  Dr. 
Janeway,  and  as  illustrating  the  abundant  grace  that 
was  bestowed  upon  him,  which  kept  him  so  pure 
amid  the  elements,  which  would  have  involved  other 
men  greatly  to  their  damage.  His  self-control  and 
prudence  were  gifts  of  God  in  answer  to  much 
prayer,  and  the  grace  of  ruling  his  spirit  was  con- 
ferred upon  him  by  his  gracious  Master  and  Lord. 

Sabbath,  November  10.  ''  This  day  I  preached  as 
sole  pastor  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church. 
In  the  morning  my  text  was,  '  Let  this  mind  be  in 
you  which  was  in  Christ  Jesus,'  and  in  the  afternoon 
I  spoke  from  the  passage,  '  Call  upon  me  in  the  day 
of  trouble  and  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt 
glorify  me.'  The  services  were  comfortable  to  me. 
On  Wednesday  evening  last,  I  met  the  session  and 
informed  them  that  I  was  unwilling  to  serve  again 
in  a  collegiate  charge,  that  I  could  not  oppose  the 
wishes  of  the  people  if  they  desired  to  make  the 
church  a  collegiate  establishment,  but  assured  them 
that  I  could  not  be  one  of  the  colleagues ;  and  finally 
offered  to  resign  my  station  if  they  could  obtain  any 
one  to  serve  them  better,  more  faithfully  and  use- 
fully, and  that  in  making  up  their  minds  I  wished 
them  to  consult  simply  the  interests  of  the  church ; 
and  that  for  this  purpose  I  released  them  from  any 
obligation  they  might  suppose  the  congregation 
were  under  to  me.  I  feel  willing,  I  think,  to  give 
up  this  station  to  any  one  who  would  fill  it  better 
than  I.     Indeed  I  should  prefer  leaving  it  if  I  were 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  209 

to  consult  my  inclinations,  yet  I  am  willing  to  serve 
this  people,  if  it  be  my  duty,  and  Providence  be 
pleased  to  order  it  so.     Oh,  for  the  grace  of  God !" 

The  church,  suffering  temporarily  by  the  secession 
of  some  fifty  members,  who  cast  in  their  lot  with 
Dr.  Skinoer,  soon  recovered.  Eight  were  added  at 
the  next  succeeding  communion,  and  twenty-eight 
at  the  one  subsequent.  Harmony  restored,  appear- 
ances of  renewed  religion  cheered  him;  the  meet- 
ings for  social  worship  were  very  solemn  and  largely 
attended.  Increased  labour — the  entire  burden  of 
this  large  church  lay  on  him  solely.  As  his  day, 
so  was  his  strength.  Three  services  on  the  Sabbath, 
and  twice  a  week  in  the  session-room,  were  now  his 
usual  allowance.  Under  it  all,  the  Lord  sustained  him, 
and  for  the  twelve  years  which  followed,  the  church 
attained  a  prosperity  which  was  never  surpassed. 

The  session  appointed  a  day  of  prayer  to  implore 
the  descent  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  increase  of  the 
hopeful  appearances  in  the  church.  He  observed  it 
with  great  earnestness.  He  struggled  and  groaned 
in  prayer  for  the  great  blessing  for  which  his  soul 
longed.  He  afterwards  set  apart  a  day  for  himself, 
with  fasting  and  prayer  for  the  work  of  God  in  his 
church.  He  lays  his  own  heart  under  inspection, 
and  earnestly  inquires  how  far  his  remissness  may 
have  hindered  the  progress  of  the  truth.  He  begs 
pardon  for  his  own  short  coming,  and  wrestles  with 
God  for  a  revival.  He  saw  the  seed  springing  up, 
which  years  by-gone  he  had  sown  weeping.  Pec- 
sons  united  with  the  church  who  traced  their  conver- 
18 


210  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

sion  to  his  labours  in  different  periods.  This  gave 
him  joy  as  the  joy  in  harvest,  yet  he  forgets  not  to 
give  God  the  glory.  He  inquired  whether  he  was 
growing  in  grace,  and  concluded  that  he  was;  first 
from  his  earnest  desires  and  prayers  to  be  revived, 
and  secondly,  from  his  increasing  trust  in  the  promise 
of  Jesus  Christ  to  help  his  ministering  servants; 
thirdly,  from  his  increasing  desire  to  be  successful  in 
preaching  the  gospel  of  the  Kedeemer.  He  often 
asked  his  Heavenly  Father  that  if  his  continuance  in 
that  church  was  not  for  His  glory  and  the 
good  of  souls,  not  to  keep  him  there.  His  ambition 
was  usefulness,  and  to  be  the  instrument  in  a  revival 
of  religion  among  his  dear  people. 

His  increasing  and  devoted  labours  won  rapidly 
on  the  affections  of  his  people,  and  they,  without 
any  hint  or  solicitation  on  his  part,  increased  his 
salary  to  an  amount  large  in  those  days.  He 
receives  it  modestly,  and  prays  that  it  may  come  as 
a  covenant  blessing — that  he  may  be  kept  from 
trusting  in  uncertain  riches,  and  be  enabled  to  use 
what  he  received  for  the  glory  of  God.  It  came 
soon  after  a  large  subscription  of  his  own  to  the 
Seminary  at  Princeton  which  he  made,  though 
selfishness  might  have  suggested  that  so  large  a 
donation  would  have  been  interpreted  by  the  people 
as  making  an  increase  needless.  Contented  with  his 
lot,  and  the  means  of  living  from  various  sources  at 
his  command,  his  solicitude  was  to  use  all  for  the 
glory  of  the  Great  Giver  of  every  blessing. 

His  religious  life  now  flows  on  in  its  usual  tenor. 


LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  211 

His  enjoyments  were  sustained.  The  sacrament  of 
the  supper  was  ever  a  season  of  delight.  He 
renews  his  covenant  there,  and  goes  on  his  way 
rejoicing.  His  heart  is  enlarged  in  its  hopes  for  a 
blessing  on  his  flock.  His  preaching  becomes  in- 
creasingly useful.  He  hears  of  one  here  and  there 
to  whom  he  was  a  blessing.  He  weeps  in  secret 
over  the  miserable  condition  of  the  unconverted  in 
his  flock,  and  pleads  that  the  honour  of  the  Re- 
deemer may  be  glorified  in  their  salvation.  Men  of 
God  who  had  been  honoured  and  blessed  of  God  in 
works  of  grace  he  secured  for  his  pulpit,  in  the  hope 
that  their  unction  might  descend  upon  his  people. 
Thus  the  year  1819  wore  away,  his  church  united  and 
the  congregation  increasing,  and  rapidly  became  the 
largest  in  the  whole  Presbyterian  connection,  com- 
posed of  men  of  the  highest  social  standing — men  of 
wealth  and  above  all  men  of  earnest  piety — a  session 
united  as  one  man,  and  ready  for  every  good  work. 

During  the  year  he  had  preached  a  sermon  as  the 
moderator  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  year 
before,  full  of  honest  warnings  which  proved  abun- 
dantly prophetic.  It  was  received  very  differently 
by  men  of  diverse  classes.  He  boldly  discussed  the 
differences  of  sentiment  which  were  agitating  the 
Presbyterian  church,  and  as  boldly  advocated  deci- 
sive measures  for  preventing  the  spread  of  novelties 
which  would  so  deeply  disturb  its  peace.  He 
announced  that  it  was  as  discreditable  as  it  was  dis- 
honest, for  a  minister  in  the  church  to  subscribe  the 
confession  of  faith,  unless  he  honestly  and  in  its  fair 


212  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

and  open  sense  adopted  its  sentiments ;  that  in  the 
event  of  a  subsequent  change  of  views,  either  silence 
or  withdrawal  from  her  communion  was  all  which 
honour  and  Christian  integrity  could  allow.  The 
advice  fell  unheeded ;  nearly  twenty  years  of  strife 
and  warfare  must  pass,  before  the  undecided  in 
action,  not  in  faith,  were  compelled  to  reform  the 
church  by  measures  which  shook  the  whole  structure 
thereof,  ending  in  the  separation  into  two  large 
bodies.  He  had  the  misfortune  to  differ  as  to  policy 
from  highly  valued  brethren,  whose  theological 
views  accorded  with  his  own ;  but  who,  from 
various  reasons,  doubted  the  propriety  of  the  vigor- 
ous measures  he  counselled.  But  a  sad  experience, 
and  days  and  nights  of  painful  anxiety  compelled 
them  to  rouse  at  almost  the  last  hour  in  which  re- 
form was  possible,  and  rid  the  beloved  church  of 
the  errors  which  disturbed,  and  measures  which 
dishonoured  her  fame. 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  213 


CHAPTEEYI. 

1820  TO  1830. 

Death  of  his  Father — New  duties — Elected  Professor  of  Theology. 

The  increasing  press  of  parocliial  care,  the  inces- 
sant demands  made  on  his  time,  not  only  as  connected 
with  the  oversight  of  his  numerous  flock,  but 
arising  also  from  his  active  exertions  in  the  different 
schemes  of  mercy  which  were  springing  up  in  the 
Presbyterian  church  and  in  the  Christian  world,  so 
abridged  his  time  that  his  entries  in  his  journal  be- 
came less  frequent  and  more  condensed.  He  had 
kept  with  diligence  and  regularity  this  diary  of  his 
religious  life.  From  his  very  conversion,  it  was 
strictly  the  record  of  his  heart  exercises.  Other 
subjects  and  matters  in  his  history  are  hardly 
alluded  to,  and  never,  except  as  they  bear  directly 
on  his  transactions  with  God.  Honours  conferred 
upon  him  by  his  brethren  ;  election  as  stated  clerk  to 
the  Assembly,  an  office  which  he  discharged  with 
great  fidelity  for  ten  years ;  election  as  moderator  of 
the  Assembly  in  1818,  are  never  mentioned  or 
alluded  to.  It  was  his  heart  history,  and  the  trans- 
actions of  his  soul  with  God.  It  will  be  seen  from 
the  extracts  already  given,  with  what  transparent 
simplicity  he  writes,  and  we  see  a  loving  and  confid- 
18- 


214  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

ing  child  in  the  presence  of  a  trusted  and  gracious 
Father.  In  what  remains  of  his  history  we  must 
gather  our  facts  from  other  sources,  and  such  docu- 
ments as  may  be  obtained.  His  contemporaries 
have,  like  himself,  passed  away.  He  outlived  many 
with  whom  he  lived  and  laboured.  The  people  of 
his  charge  to  whom  he  ministered  more  than  thirty 
years  ago,  have  been  gathered,  many,  we  hope,  into 
the  fold  above.  The  loved  and  long  tried  friends  of 
his  youth  and  maturer  manhood  are  no  more. 
Enough  can  be  gathered  to  show  that  even  in  old 
age  he  was  bearing  fruit,  while  his  peace  flowed  on 
like  a  river,  and  his  righteousness  like  the  waves  of 
the  sea.  His  recorded  exercises  on  sacramental 
occasions  were  of  the  same  fervent  character — deep 
searchings  of  heart,  humble  adorings  of  his  crucified 
Lord,  and  earnest  pleadings  with  God  for  blessings 
on  himself  and  dear  people. 

December  20,  1821.  "  This  has  been  observed  as 
a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  It  was  recommended 
by  the  synod  on  account  of  the  late  prevailing  sick- 
ness, and  the  languishing  state  of  religion  in  our 
churches.  The  Lord,  I  hope,  put  it  into  my  heart 
to  bring  forward  a  resolution  before  our  Presbytery 
to  request  synod  to  recommend  the  day  for  these 
two  reasons,  and  to  address  the  churches  on  the  sub- 
ject. The  request  was  made  and  acceded  to.  Oh, 
that  it  may  be  long  to  be  remembered!  Oh,  that 
from  this  day,  God  would  begin  to  revive  religion  in 
all  our  churches !  How  desirable  !  The  day  has  been 
comfortable   to   my  soul.     In   my  last  prayer   this 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  215 

morning,  I  was  led  out  in  earnest  supplication.  This 
evening  has  been  pleasant  in  retirement,  and,  I  hope, 
profitable.  Meditation  was  sweet  and  prayer  was 
free.  In  my  concluding  prayer  I  was  led  out  in 
earnest  supplication  for  my  people.  I  have  lamented 
and  confessed  my  sins,  asked  forgiveness,  and  en- 
treated deliverence  from  them.  I  have  besought  the 
Lord  to  give  me  more  grace,  and  to  qualify  me 
more  for  my  ministerial  office  and  work.  I  have 
renewed  my  covenant,  and  asked  grace  to  be  faithful." 
Frequent  days  of  this  kind  were  observed,  often 
it  is  believed  at  his  suggestion.  He  had  great  faith 
in  these  humblings  before  God.  He  observed  them 
very  strictly  himself,  abstaining  from  food  altogether 
until  the  setting  of  the  sun.  When  he  kept  his 
private  fasts,  it  was  understood  in  his  family  that 
such  interruptions  as  were  urgent,  could  be  per- 
mitted. It  was  prostration  before  God,  and  earnest 
pleadings  for  the  blessings  sought.  He  could  often 
trace  a  connection  between  the  answer  and  the 
prayer.  He  traces  to  the  synod's  day  of  prayer, 
many  revivals,  powerful  in  their  results,  whereas,  at 
the  time  of  the  synod's  action,  it  was  not  known 
that  a  single  church  within  its  limits  was  refreshed 
from  on  high.  It  was  his  privilege  to  unite  with  his 
brethren  in  such  scenes,  in  the  hope  that  he  might 
bring  of  the  heavenly  fire  to  his  own  fold.  A  modest 
country  minister  whose  church  was  blest,  seemed 
to  think  the  visit  of  Dr.  Janeway  an  act  of  conde- 
scension. He  esteemed  it  a  precious  privilege,  for 
which  he  gave  thanks  to  God. 


216  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY. 

January  1,  1824.  "I  bless  God  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  mj  life  to  this  day !  May  the  remainder  be 
spent  for  God  in  holy  obedience  to  his  command- 
ments. A  person  told  me  the  other  day,  that,  in  the 
year  1820,  he  was  awakened  by  a  sermon  I  preached, 
and  afterwards  he  received  comfort  from  another  dis- 
course. Another  case  occurred  in  which  his  conver- 
sation was  blessed  to  a  dying  female,  and  he  blesses 
God  that  his  work  prospers  in  his  hand.  When  the 
work  seems  to  flag,  and  few  come  to  the  solemn 
feasts  of  the  Lord,  he  sets  apart  a  day  of  prayer,  and 
induces  his  elders  to  unite  with  him.  On  such  occa- 
sions he  stirs  up  his  heart  by  recollecting  the  deal- 
ings of  God  with  his  ancient  saints,  and  his  own  ex- 
perience of  His  faithfulness  in  so  many  cases  in  his 
own  ministry,  and  he  urges  these  arguments  before  a 
prayer-hearing  God.  He  opens  wide  the  mouth  of 
his  desires,  and  says,  ^  I  could  wish  a  thousand  con- 
verts added  to  my  church !' " 

In  September,  1826,  his  venerable  and  aged  father 
died,  having  attained  to  four-score  years  and  four. 
It  was  his  privilege  to  be  with  him  in  his  last  sick- 
ness, and  hear  from  his  aged  parent  the  confession  of 
his  faith  in  Christ.  He  was  overwhelmed  with  grati- 
tude  to  God  for  the  cheerful  hope  in  which  he  died. 
He  was  with  him  to  the  close,  and  heard  his  lips 
utter  the  sublime  promises  of  Scripture. 

''  When  my  father  began  some  time  ago  to  decline, 
I  could  not  but  see,  that  in  the  event  of  his  death,  I 
should  inherit  a  large  estate.  Knowing  the  depravity 
of   my  nature,   I  betook   myself  to  prayer   that  I 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  217 

miglit  have  grace  to  use  it  ariglit.  I  earnestly  be- 
sought the  Lord,  that  if  it  were  his  pleasure  to  bestow 
it,  it  might  come  to  me  as  a  covenant  blessing ;  and 
that  if  it  should  not  come,  I  might  sweetly  acquiesce 
in  his  will.  I  reflected,  that  in  that  event,  I  should 
be  free  from  the  trouble  of  managing  the  estate,  and 
of  the  responsibility  of  using  it  aright.  While  at 
New  York,  I  felt  persuaded  that  the  Lord  had  heard 
my  prayer,  and  that  he  would  make  my  inheritance 
a  covenant  blessing,  and  would  give  me  grace  to  use 
it  in  a  Christian  manner.  I  felt  as  if  I  were  grow- 
ing in  grace.  I  have  prayed  that  my  estate  might 
be  sanctified  to  my  wife  and  children.  I  felt  peculiar 
pleasure  in  reflecting  that  my  ability  for  charitable 
donations  would  be  increased  three,  perhaps  five 
times  what  it  has  been.  May  the  blessing  of  God 
rest  on  me  and  mine !"  And  suiting  the  action  to  the 
reflection,  before  he  left  New  York  he  made  a  large 
donation  to  the  American  Bible  Society.  Such  were 
his  exercises,  and  we  only  anticipate  in  saying,  that 
wealth  to  him  was  a  covenant  blessing — a  source  of 
gratification  in  the  ability  it  gave  him  to  increase 
largely  his  donations  to  his  gracious  Lord  and 
Master.  It  was  in  his  eye,  a  talent,  for  whose  em- 
ployment he  must  give  an  account;  and  while  his 
property,  by  judicious  improvements,  and  the  rise  in 
real  estate  largely  increased,  his  heart  was  never 
lifted  up  nor  his  fondness  for  riches  increased.  He 
improved  his  estate  as  he  did  any  other  talent  for  the 
glory  of  God  and  a  means  of  doing  good.  But  he 
was  the  same  simple  man  in  his  tastes,  and  moderate 
in  his  style  of  expenditure. 


218  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

Under  his  father's  will;  he  was  executor  and 
trustee  for  the  remainder  beyond  his  own  interest. 
He  felt  the  responsibility,  and  prepared  with  the  same 
singleness  of  purpose  to  meet  it,  as  he  did  every 
duty.  It  would  occasion  trouble,  and  what  con- 
cerned him  most,  it  would  consume  his  precious 
time.  To  keep  the  world  beneath  his  feet,  and  allow 
not  these  cares  to  intrude  into  the  sanctuary  of  his 
worship,  was  his  great  business.  Such  cares  have 
proved  too  much  for  many  of  God's  people,  but  Dr. 
Janeway  has  been  heard  to  say,  that  he  was  enabled 
to  keep  them  under,  and  hinder  them  from  invading 
the  spirituality  of  his  Christian  affections.  By  faith 
he  had  overcome  the  world,  and  his  Master  gave  him 
grace  to  labour  for  his  relatives,  without  suffering 
from  the  service  and  the  care.  Years  passed  over 
him  while  he  administered  the  estate,  and  until,  by 
the  terms  of  the  will,  and  the  Providence  of  God, 
the  several  heirs  received  their  portions,  and  he  was 
left  with  his  own  portion.  The  mass  of  correspon- 
dence with  his  agents,  the  amount  of  memoranda 
which  he  carried  on,  attest  both  the  diligence  and 
fidelity  of  the  man. 

There  is  one  fact  in  the  management  of  the  estate, 
which,  for  the  sake  of  continuity,  had  better  be  con- 
cluded in  this  place,  though  it  covered  several  years 
until  the  purpose  of  his  heart  was  accomplished.  It 
is  the  fact  that  on  the  property  of  his  late  father 
stood  the  once  well-known  Chatham  Theatre.  An 
uncharitable  world  reflected  on  him,  as  deriving 
revenue  from  so  immoral  a  source,  and  ministers  of 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY  219 

tliat  gospel  wTiose  cliarity  hopetli  all  things,  were 
even  found  on  the  side  of  the  censorious.  This 
pained  him  deeply ;  to  be  wounded  in  the  house  of 
his  friends  was  an  aggravation.  Though  he  out- 
lived the  censure,  and  his  character  shone  unblem 
ished  to  the  end,  yet  a  history,  from  his  journal 
mainly,  will  form  a  proper  link  in  the  history  of  his 
life.  His  aged  father,  within  a  year  of  his  death 
was  induced,  by  interested  persons  around,  to  purchase 
the  building  known  as  the  Chatham  Theatre,  built 
on  ground  which  he  owned  and  originally  leased  as 
a  public  garden ;  advanced  in  life,  not  thinking  of 
the  immoral  tendencies,  and  in  the  absence  of  his 
only  son.  Dr.  Janeway,  he  made  the  purchase  at  the 
cost  of  $50,000.  The  first  intimation  Dr.  Janeway 
had  of  it  was  in  a  public  print. 

April  26,  1860.  "I  think  it  proper  to  record  my 
views  and  feelings  in  regard  to  the  purchase  of  the 
Chatham  Garden  Theatre.  I  knew  nothing  of  it, 
till  I  saw  it  announced  in  the  paper  that  he  had 
bought  it.  I  was  grieved,  I  wept,  I  lamented  it.  I 
should  willingly  have  had  him  to  sink  the  whole 
purchase  money  by  converting  the  building  to 
another  purpose.  It  is  very  productive,  but  should 
it  be  in  my  power  I  should  sweep  it  from  the 
property.  I  pray  God  to  direct  my  conduct  and 
.  prosper  me  in  the  path  of  duty." 

His  determination  was  to  decline  any  responsi- 
bility as  a  trustee,  with  the  theatre,  and  leave  it  to 
the  action  of  the  other  two.  But  one  refusing  to  serve 
at  all,  and  leaving  the  other,  the  aged  widow  of  his 


220  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JAI^EWAY. 

father,  lie  was  compelled  most  reluctantly  to  serve. 
He  felt  that  he  was  bound  to  require  the 
rent,  just  as  much  as  a  tax  on  whiskey  should  be 
collected.  But  he  resolved  that  no  part  of  its  avails 
as  accruing  to  his  share,  should  be  used  by  him, 
and  accordingly  he  appropriated  all  to  charitable 
purposes,  in  addition  to  the  amount  taken  from  his 
other  income.  It  became  his  settled  purpose  to  win 
the  consent  of  the  other  heirs  to  its  removal.  In  his 
view  it  was  an  abomination.  It  cost  him  years  of 
trouble  and  vexation.  The  rent  was  paid  but  badly; 
the  morals  of  a  theatre,  he  found,  were  as  lax  as 
could  be.  His  arguments  finally  convinced  the  heirs 
that  it  was  a  losing  concern,  that  it  damaged  the  ad- 
joining property,  and  they  united  with  him  on  the 
grounds  of  its  unproductiveness  and  immorality,  in 
a  petiton  to  the  Chancellor  of  the  State  of  Kew  York 
to  remove  it  from  the  property.  The  petition  was 
granted,  and  his  heart  was  relieved.  With  earnest 
prayers  he  had  sought  God's  help,  and  obtained  an 
assurance  that  he  would  be  carried  through.  Nor 
was  he  diasppointed — Providence  was  better  than  his 
hopes.  Delay  occasioned  by  the  fact  that  the  lease 
was  not  terminated,  opened  the  way  for  negotiations 
for  converting  it  into  a  Christian  church.  This  was  a 
consummation  specially  agreeable,  and  he  gave 
largely  of  his  own  funds  towards  the  expense  of  its 
reconstruction  for  this  blessed  purpose.  In  a  letter 
from  his  valued  friend  and  former  parishioner, 
Charles  Chauncey,  Esq.,  an  eminent  lawyer,  and  of 
date  June  17,  1831,  we  have  this  testimony ; 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  221 

"Your  favour  of  the  16th  was  received  yesterday, 
and  has  afforded  me  sincere  gratification.  I  rejoice 
with  you  that  you  have  been  enabled,  at  last,  to  ac- 
complish the  object  which  you  so  much  desired ;  and 
that  you  have,  at  the  same  time,  faithfully  performed 
the  trust  which  was  cast  upon  you.  It  must  be  a 
matter  of  gratification  to  you  and  to  all  your  friends." 

Eobert  Ealston,  Esq.,  his  life-long  friend,  and 
former  elder,  writes  under  date  July  2d,  1831, 
Philadelphia. 

"My  Dear  Friend: 

I  could  not  learn  the  alleviation  to  the  suffer- 
ings you  have  so  long  endured  in  the  theatre 
property  without  rejoicing,  and  offering  my  sincere 
congratulations  on  the  occasion.  The  testimony  is 
now  given  to  the  world  (full  of  prejudice  and  dis- 
posed to  cast  obloquy  on  the  children  of  God),  that 
you  considered  there  was  no  property  in  this  pile 
that  you  would  not  have  parted  with  at  any  moment,  if 
in  the  providence  of  God,  it  had  been  in  your  power. 
As  I  understand  it,  the  Chancellor  has  interposed." 

The  opinion  of  such  men,  who  knew  his  heart  ex- 
ercises on  this  subject,  and  the  difiiculty  which 
pressed  him,  his  opposition  to  an  immoral  system  on 
the  one  hand,  and  his  responsibilities  as  a  trustee  on 
the  other,  was  valued  by  him  while  stemming  the 
censures  of  a  censorious  world,  and  alas !  the  unkind 
insinuations  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  who  had 
known  him  long,  and  ought  to  have  been  satisfied 
from  their  knowledge  of  his  unimpeachable  character. 
As  he  had  opportunity  he  quietly  vindicated  himself, 
19 


222  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

but  lie  meekly  committed  his  reputation  to  God  wlio 
gave  it,  and  had  confidence  that  his  righteousness 
would  be  bronght  forth  in  the  light.  He  always  felt 
that  he  was  entitled  to  an  explanation,  and  that  those 
who  censured  him  were  bonnd,  in  Christian  charity, 
to  have  sought  the  facts  at  his  lips.  His  own  habit 
was  open  and  frank.  He  carried  the  matter  to  the 
accused,  told  him  frankly  what  the  report  was,  and 
gave  him  full  opportunity  to  meet  it. 

It  is  a  precious  reflection  to  his  children,  that  his 
record  is  on  high,  and  that  his  Master,  whom  he  so 
honestly  served,  has  accepted  him  and  welcomed  him 
to  the  region  of  love  and  purity.  "We  return  to  the 
narrative  of  his  life,  having  finished  the  matter  of 
the  theatre  so  as  to  render  any  return  to  it  needless. 

In  May,  1827,  he  was  elected  Professor  of  Theology 
in  the  newly  erected  Western  Theological  Seminary, 
established  at  Allegheny  Town,  Pennsylvania,  by  the 
General  Assembly,  with  great  unanimity.  When 
approached  by  a  brother  before  the  election,  he 
frankly  advised  him  to  turn  the  attention  of  the 
friends  of  Allegheny  to  some  one  else,  as  the  diflS.- 
culties  in  the  way  of  his  acceptance  seemed  insur- 
mountable. The  election  was  however  made,  and  he 
gave  it  the  solemn  and  prayerful  attention  which  the 
acts  of  the  Assembly  were  entitled  to,  and  with  which 
it  was  the  custom  of  his  life  to  entertain  all  appeals  of 
duty.  And  few  men  could  be  embarrassed  with  more 
difiiculties  in  the  matter  than  was  Dr.  Janeway.  He 
was  pastor  of  a  large  and  influential  congregation, 
who  were  devoted  to  him;  the  pecuniary  sacrifices 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  223 

required  by  the  infancy  of  tlie  Seminary,  were  large ; 
his  father's  estate  hung  upon  him  heavily ;  the  inter- 
ests of  his  sister,  and  the  orphan  children  of  his 
only  brother,  were  to  be  protected ;  and  the  problem 
was,  to  do  this,  when  removed  three  or  four  days 
further  from  New  York:  his  domestic  ties  crowded  on 
his  mind.  Still  he  would  investigate,  and  calmly 
inquire  into  the  will  of  God.  He  started  on  a  jour- 
ney to  Pittsburgh,  to  see  for  himself,  and  collect 
information.  In  the  mean  while,  his  people  besought 
him  not  to  leave  them.  The  trustees  and  the  elders 
wrote  to  him,  with  affectionate  earnestness,  but  with 
great  deference  to  his  judgment,  praying  him  to  con- 
tinue with  them.  The  letters  of  his  session  and 
trustees,  written  to  him  while  on  his  exploring  visit 
to  Pittsburgh,  are  so  tender  and  affectionate,  revealing 
the  character  of  his  standing,  that  we  print  them 
entire,  as  a  testimony  to  the  good  men  who  signed 
it — all  of  whom,  we  doubt  not,  are  with  their  loved 
pastor  in  heaven. 

Philadelphia,  Sept.  10th,  1827. 

Deaely  Beloved  Pastor  : 

After  a  period  of  more  than  twenty-eight  years, 
during  which  we  have  been  associated  with  you  as 
our  pastor,  you  are  called  upon  to  decide  on  the  im- 
portant question  of  a  separation.  On  this  interesting 
occasion,  we  should  not  indulge  our  own  feelings, 
nor  perform  our  duty  to  you,  did  we  silently  await 
your  decision,  without  an  expression  of  our  senti- 
ments, suitable  to  our  sense  of  your  character  and 
conduct,  and  to  the  tender  and  intimate  relation  which 
we  have  so  long  sustained  towards  yoa.     We  have 


224  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

long  enjoyed  your  faithful  and  zealous  services  in 
that  sacred  cause  to  which  your  life  has  been  devoted. 
The  gospel  has  been  ably  and  affectionately  taught, 
and  illustrated  by  your  example.  The  church  has 
gradually  but  constantly  increased ;  its  discipline  has 
been  mildly  but  firmly  exercised ;  the  purity  of  sacred 
truth  has  been  maintained,  and  the  interests  of  reli- 
gion advanced  in  the  higher  ecclesiastical  judicatories. 
An  entire  unanimity  of  views  has  always  prevailed 
between  yourself  and  the  other  members  of  the  ses- 
sion ;  a  just  authority  has,  though  seldom  requisite, 
been  prudently  and  temperately  exerted ;  and  a  happy 
degree  of  harmony  and  peace  has  pervaded  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church  generally,  whose  testimony  we 
believe  we  give — whose  voice  of  affection  we  utter. 

As  members  of  the  Session  of  the  Second  Presby- 
terian Church,  on  a  review  of  these  circumstances,  it 
cannot  be  surprising  that  we  view  the  possibility  of 
your  separation  from  us,  not  with  apathy,  but  with 
anxious  solicitude.  We  desire  to  be  influenced  by 
no  selfish  regards ;  and  we  advert  not  to  the  various 
and  important  considerations  which  must  combine  to 
influence  your  decision  in  the  weighty  matter  now 
under  your  deliberation,  whether  relating  to  yourself 
and  family,  to  our  congregation,  or  to  the  church  at 
large ;  because  we  believe  that  they  are  fully  present 
to  your  own  mind,  will  receive  their  due  weight,  and 
will  be  more  fairly  viewed  after  you  shall  have  ac- 
quired the  more  correct  information,  which  it  is  the 
object  of  your  present  journey  to  obtain ;  and  also 
because  we  are  sure  you  have  earnestly  sought,  and 
hope  you  will  receive,  the  guidance  of  that  Spirit  of 
wisdom  and  prudence  and  counsel,  which  we  sincerely 
desire  for  you  and  for  ourselves.  But  we  can  assure 
you,  that  so  far  as  our  personal  interests  and  feelings, 
and  those  of  our  numerous  fellow-members,  whom 
we  represent,  are  concerned,  we  should  view  your 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  225 

continuance  among  us  till  your  latest  hour,  with  un- 
feigned satisfaction ;  and  believe  tliat  your  labours  in 
the  important  stations  in  the  church  which  you  have 
hitherto  held,  would  greatly  promote  the  advance- 
ment, and  aid  in  the  defence  of  that  evano^elical 
truth,  which  is  never  safe  from  attack  even  in  its 
holiest  earthly  sanctuary. 

Keceive,  reverend  and  dear  sir,  this  expression  of 
our  views  and  feelings,  which  we  could  not  withhold, 
in  justice  to  you,  to  ourselves,  and  to  the  church  to 
which  we  belong,  on  the  present  important  occasion. 

We  commit  you,  our  dear  pastor  and  friend,  to 
the  care  of  the  Omnipotent.  May  he  '^  guide  you  by 
his  counsel ;"  scatter  light  in  all  your  paths ;  preserve 
you  safely  in  your  absence  from  your  family  and 
flock ;  and  direct  you  to  that  decision  which  shall  be 
for  the  promotion  of  his  glory,  of  your  own  useful- 
ness and  comfort,  and  for  the  advancement  of  the 
cause  and  kinscdom  of  our  Divine  Redeemer! 

So  wish,  so  pray,  your  brethren  in  the  Lord,  and 
affectionate  friends  and  assistants, 

ALEXANDER  HENRY,  ROBERT  SMITH, 

ANDREW  BROWN,  THOS.  LATIMER, 

MATTHEW  L.  BEVAN,  ISAAC  SNOWDEN, 

ROBERT  H.  SMITH,  JOHN  MOORE, 

ROBERT  RALSTON. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  J.  J.  Janeway. 


Philadelphia,  Sept.  10th,  1827. 

The  Trustees  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church 
met. 

The  following  letter,  expressive  of  the  wishes  and 
desires  of  the  Trustees,  was  read,  and  on  motion  was 
unanimously  adopted,  and  the  President  and  Secre- 
tary were  directed  to  sign  the  same  in  behalf  of  the 
Trustees,  and  transmit  a  copy  to  our  beloved  Pastor, 
now  on  his  way  to  Pittsburgh: 
19* 


226  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JAXEWAY. 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  J.  Janeway,  Pastor  of  the  Second 
Presbyterian  Chiircli,  in  the  City  of  Philadelphia : 

Rev.  and  Dear  Sir: 

The  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  church  of  which 
you  are  the  pastor,  beg  leave  to  address  you  on  the 
occasion  of  your  appointment,  by  a  nearly  imanimous 
vote  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  to  the  important  office 
of  Professor  of  Theology  in  the  Western  Theological 
Seminary.  The  Board  are  pleased  that  this  honour 
has  been  tendered  to  your  acceptance,  as  a  just  tribute 
to  your  abilities  and  usefulness  in  the  church,  from 
whose  entire  and  extensive  body  you  have  been 
selected.  They  are  duly  sensible  of  the  wide  sphere 
of  labour  to  which  you  are  invited,  and  of  the  vast 
results  to  the  church  at  large,  which  depend  upon  a 
judicious  and  wise  selection  of  the  head  of  this  Insti- 
tution, should  it  meet  with  that  success  which  has 
been  favoured  by  considerable  exertions  and  power- 
ful auspices.  But  they  would  be  wanting  in  the 
respect  and  regard  due  to  you,  as  well  as  in  attention 
to  their  own  interests  and  feelings,  and  those  of  the 
pewholders  of  the  congregation,  whom  they  repre- 
sent, did  they  hesitate  to  bring  expressly  and  offi- 
cially before  you,  previous  to  your  decision  on  this 
important  question,  their  deep  and  unaffected  sense 
of  the  value  of  your  pastoral  services,  their  just  and 
high  estimate  of  you.r  personal  and  official  worth,  so 
long  experienced  and  so  generally  acknowledged, 
and  the  serious  regret  which  they  would  feel  indi- 
vidiially  and  in  their  representative  capacity,  should 
your  sense  of  duty  impose  the  necessity  of  dissolving 
a  connection  so  intimate  and  important,  and  which 
has  grown  stronger  and  closer  from  the  length  of  its 
duration.  The  tie  which  binds  a  pastor  to  his  people 
is  always,  where  both  parties  are  faithful,  near  and 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  227 

interesting — perhaps  seldom  more  so  than  in  the 
present  instance.  The  Board  repose  a  just  confidence 
in  your  prudence,  wisdom,  and  piety;  and  implore 
the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  that  he  would  grant 
you  that  right  exercise  of  them  which  is  so  necessary 
on  the  present  occasion.  They  would  heartily  wel- 
come your  return  among  us,  with  the  intelligence 
that  we  are  not  to  be  separated,  should  such  appear 
to  be  your  duty;  if  otherwise,  they  desire  to  meet 
with  resignation  the  dispensation  of  Providence,  and 
pray  that,  however  afflictive  to  the  congregation,  God 
would  continue  to  them  the  favour  he  has  hitherto 
manifested  in  their  pastors,  and  that  the  change 
might  be  overruled  for  good  to  yourself  and  family, 
and  to  the  church  at  large. 

Our  present  happy  and  harmonious  intercourse  in 
the  relation  of  a  pastor  and  his  congregation,  which 
promises  for  the  future  a  continuance,  and,  we  would 
gladly  hope,  an  increase  and  extension  of  those  in- 
estimable benefits,  which  we  trust  God  has  graciously 
granted  to  the  congregation  through  your  services,  and 
of  the  satisfaction  which  we  believe  you  have  received 
in  rendering  them,  will,  we  humbly  hope,  not  be  ter- 
minated without  the  fairest  views  of  success  in  the 
contemplated  Institution ;  nor  in  the  face  of  great 
and  various  difficulties  and  inconveniences,  should 
such  exist ;  nor  on  uncertain  future  prospects.  Should 
you  not  find  these  obstacles  to  be  presented,  and  the 
good  of  the  church  require  your  removal,  it  will  be 
our  duty  to  acquiesce. 

We  respectfully  submit  to  you,  reverend  and  dear 
sir,  this  expression  of  our  views  and  sentiments, 
which  we  consider  to  be  called  for  by  the  present 
occasion.     Extract  from  the  minutes. 

THOS.  LATIMER,  V.  P. 

Isaac  Snowden,  Soc'y* 


228  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAV. 

After  solemn  and  mature  reflection,  and  after,  by 
prayer  and  fasting,  seeking  to  know  the  will  of  God, 
to  the  great  joy  of  his  people  he  declined  the  call. 

In  the  following  spring,  he  was  taken  suddenly  ill, 
while  attending  the  meeting  of  the  Directors  of  the 
Theological  Seminary  at  Princeton.  With  great 
difficulty  he  was  removed  to  his  own  home.  For 
several  days  he  was  extremely  ill,  until  it  pleased 
the  Lord  to  relieve  him,  and  restore  him  to  his 
wonted  health.  In  reviewing  his  sickness,  he  grate- 
fully notes  the  circumstances  of  mercy  attending  it — 
the  hand  of  his  God  in  all  the  little  items,  which,  in 
union,  contributed  so  much  to  his  comfort.  "  How 
poor  a  time  is  a  time  of  sickness  for  making  prepa- 
ration for  death !  My  thoughts,  I  found,  I  could  not 
connect.  But  blessed  be  God,  I  had  not  an  uneasy 
thought  in  regard  to  my  safety.  I  was  anchored  on 
the  Rock  of  everlasting  ages:  my  soul  rested  on 
Christ.  I  thought  it  would  be  advantageous  to  my 
children,  if  I  were  spared  to  arrange  my  temporal 
affairs ;  but  I  knew  the  Lord's  time  was  the  best  time, 
and  I  was  willing  to  die.  Heaven  seemed  desirable. 
I  could  see,  as  it  were,  the  ransomed,  around  the 
throne,  worshipping  the  Lamb.  It  seemed  desirable 
to  be  with  them,  and  present  with  the  Father,  Son, 
and  Holy  Ghost ;  desirable  to  be  freed  from  sin  and 
temptation,  and  pain  and  sorrow.  Precious  Re- 
deemer !  Precious  Christianity !  I  bless  God  for  the 
sickness;  it  has,  I  trust,  done  me  good.  Life  ap- 
peared to  me  to  be  worth  nothing,  except  to  live  for 
God,  and  to  glorify  God.     I  wish  to  spend  this  new 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JAXEWAY.  229 

life  entirely  for  Gocl.  Oh !  for  more  grace.  I  have 
no  reason  to  think  I  was  declining  in  religion  before 
my  sickness ;  I  think  I  was  growing  in  grace." 

His  tender  conscience,  and  his  habitual  readiness 
to  read  a  lesson  in  all  God's  dispensations,  caused 
him  to  review  his  decision  as  to  the  professorship. 
He  again  surveyed  the  difficulties  and  sacrifices,  and 
felt  he  could  meet  them,  if  it  were  the  will  of  God. 
He  surveyed  the  whole  field.  His  wife,  a  woman  of 
heroic  spirit,  where  duty  was  clear,  was  willing  to 
stand  by  him,  and  leave  an  aged  mother  and  devoted 
sisters.  She  had,  in  her  family,  a  sorrow  of  no  ordi- 
nary kind ;  an  affliction,  in  the  righteous  dealings  of 
God,  laid  on  her,  which  complicated  vastly  the  matter 
of  a  removal  by  land,  across  mountains.  She  knew 
well  that  her  husband  could  be  satisfied  only  by  the 
clear  indications  of  God's  will;  and  she  roused  her- 
self to  do  her  part  of  the  sacrifice.  Before  the  As- 
sembly met,  he  had,  after  solemn  review,  recalled  his 
declinature,  and  gave  the  directors  notice  of  his 
acceptance. 

In  July  following,  he  bade  farewell,  in  an  appro- 
priate discourse,  to  a  people  whom  he  served,  from 
the  dew  of  his  youth,  for  over  twenty -nine  years. 
Impressed,  as  they  were,  from  the  magnitude  of  the 
sacrifice  he  made,  with  the  honesty  of  his  purpose, 
and  the  stern  sense  of  duty  which  influenced  him, 
they  sorrowfully  united,  at  his  request,  in  the  appli- 
cation to  Presbytery,  to  sunder  the  pastoral  tie. 
Amid  weeping  friends,  he  prepared  to  depart,  at 
great   expense,  and  on   his  own  charges.     He  was 


230  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY. 

leaving  the  field  of  Ms  toils,  to  wTiicli  hard  study  and 
years  of  preparation  liad  made  him  adequate,  for  a 
new  and  untried  service — a  seminary  on  paper,  with- 
out buildings,  and  students  to  be  collected.  He  left 
a  comfortable  home,  which  he  had  just  furnished  to 
suit  his  convenience ;  a  large  salary  for  a  small  one, 
and  uncertain  at  that.  His  family  shared  in  the 
trials.  It  was  the  home  of  his  wife,  and  she  must 
leave  her  aged  mother,  who  was  greatly  attached  to 
her  son-in-law.  An  incident  interesting  to  his  family 
may  find  its  place  here.  An  aged  woman,  who  had 
long  washed  for  them,  and  who  was  now  a  pensioner 
on  their  kindness,  drooped  from  the  day  of  their  de- 
parture, and  soon  sank  into  her  grave.  The  7oy  of 
her  old  heart  was  gone,  and  life  had  lost  its  cnaims. 

He  reached  Pittsburgh,  after  a  circuitous  route, 
through  the  State  of  Kew  York,  which  he  supposed 
the  condition  of  one  member  of  his  family  required, 
in  the  summer  of  1828  ;  and  then  his  troubles  began. 
There  was  no  house  to  be  had,  which  would  accom- 
modate his  family,  and  he  was  subjected  to  the  incon- 
venience of  boarding.  A  house  finally  offered,  at  an 
exorbitant  rent,  which  he  was  compelled  to  take. 
Inconveniences  beyond  their  conception  pressed  upon 
his  family.  He  was  inaugurated  Professor  during 
the  meeting  of  the  Synod,  when  he  delivered  his 
inaugural  address,  which,  along  with  Dr.  Swift's 
address  to  the  Professor,  was  published  by  the  Di- 
rectors. Among  the  inducements  pressed  upon  him 
to  accept,  was,  that  a  large  number  of  students  were 
waiting  to  enter  upon  their  studies.     The  session 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  231 

opened  witli  five.  The  recitations  were  carried  on 
in  a  small  session  room  in  the  rear  of  the  First  Pres- 
byterian Church.  The  writer  was  his  only  assistant, 
and  instructed  in  the  department  of  the  original  lan- 
guages— a  temporary  arrangement,  until  Mr.  Nevin, 
who  had  been  appointed  teacher,  should  arrive. 

Dr.  Janeway  entered  upon  his  duties  in  full  faith 
of  continuance.  He  mapped  before  his  mind  the 
course  he  intended  to  pursue,  and  made  large  prepa- 
rations for  an  extended  discharge  of  his  work.  To 
do  all  he  could  for  the  seminary  was  his  desire  and 
intention ;  and  a  residence  lof  at  least  fiwar  years  was 
his  expectation.  He  meditated  the  sale  of  his  valu- 
able property  in  New  York,  and  the  purchase  of  real 
estate  in  Pittsburgh.  But  discouragements  in  the 
starting  of  the  institution,  and  the  dissatisfaction  of 
the  servants,  who,  out  of  attachment  to  his  family, 
had  accompanied  them  to  the  West,  made  his  situa- 
tion uncomfortable.  He  reviews  his  exercises  on  the 
subject,  and  inquires  whether  he  had  misinterpreted 
the  voice  of  Providence.  All  his  searchings  told  him 
he  had  acted  honestly,  according  to  the  light  which 
was  given  him,  and  that  even  now,  if  he  should  see 
it  his  duty  to  return,  he  would  still  be  following  the 
beckonings  of  the  Hand  which  had  been  his  life-long 
guide.  "  He  that  believeth  shall  not  make  haste."  He 
would  wait  and  labour  in  his  lot,  till  light  should 
break  upon  his  path.  He  laboured  on  inTiis  work, 
preached  frequently,  as  the  pulpits  were  opened  to 
him,  and  went  on  in  his  wonted  composure.     He  and 


232  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

Ms  family  were  treated  with  great  kindness  and  dis- 
tinction by  the  citizens  of  all  classes.    ' 

In  December,  he  betakes  himself  to  fasting  and 
prayer,  for  the  light  which  he  needed :  to  do  God's 
will  was  his  only  wish.  He  wrote  to  his  old  friend, 
Eobert  Ealston,  in  whom,  above  all  men,  he  had  the 
most  profound  confidence,  and  opened  to  him  his 
heart.  We  qaote  from  his  reply,  so  much  breathing 
the  savour  of  an  earnest  piety,  and  illustrating  the 
Christian  gentleman : 

''The  same  Divine  influence  which  made  you 
willing  to  undertake,  will  also  make  you  willing  to 
forsake  the  post,  and  open  the  way  to  another, 
perhaps  of  greater  usefulness,  if  such  shall  be  the 
pleasure  of  infinite  wisdom.  The  property  of  your 
Heavenly  Father  you  are,  with  your  dear  family, 
and  all  that  you  possess ;  it  cannot  be,  therefore,  that 
you  will  be  left  out  of  your  proper  place,  or  to  want 
any  real  good  thing;  clouds  and  darkness  may  sur- 
round for  a  season — difficulties  and  hardships  may 
be  the  appointments  of  his  holy  Providence  for  a 
time;  but  after  those  trials  and  obscurities,  a  morning 
of  light  and  joy  will  arise.  The  God  whom  you 
serve  will  never  leave  you  nor  forsake  you.  To  know 
what  the  Lord  will  have  you  to  do,  I  am  sure,  is  the 
desire  of  your  heart ;  and  I  feel  just  as  sure,  that  the 
path  of  duty  will  be  made  plain  to  you.  I  have 
also  the  persuasion,  that  whatever  future  events 
await  you,  the  efforts  that  you  have  made  to  promote 
the  interests  of  the  Zion  of  our  God,  in  the  West, 
will  be  reflected  upon  with  pleasure.  You  will  be 
sustained  by  the  sweet  peace  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing, and  if  the  Lord  designs,  that  another  loca- 


LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  233 

tion  is  before  you,  it  will  be  made  clear,  and  so  plain 
that  duty  cannot  be  mistaken. 

"Many  things,  (I  was  going  to  say  everything,) 
appear  to  have  turned  out  different  from  your 
reasonable  expectations,  and  therefore,  may  prove 
indications  of  the  will  of  your  Heavenly  Father, 
that  this  is  not  to  be  the  field  of  your  labour,  and 
the  address  to  the  prophet  may  sound  in  your  ears, 
"What  dost  thou  hear,  Elijah?"  It  is  not  the  love  of 
ease,  or  the  shrinking  from  laborious  duty,  I  do 
verily  believe,  that  would  be  likely  to  cause  you  to 
mistake  the  sound  of  his  voice.  To  inquire  of,  and 
wait  upon  the  good  pleasure  of  Him,  who  hath 
never  said  to  the  seed  of  Jacob,  Seek  ye  my  face  in 
vain,  I  know  is  not  only  the  purpose  of  your  heart, 
but  will  be  the  daily  practice  of  your  life." 

"While  thus  meditating  on  the  will  of  God,  and 
praying  to  be  ready  to  remain  or  leave,  intimations 
of  the  invalidity  of  the  title,  to  the  ground  on 
which  the  seminary  buildings  were  to  be  erected, 
were  given  to  him.  It  is  not  our  design  to  enter  at 
large  upon  this  painful  subject — we  merely  state 
facts  in  the  chain  of  his  history.  Many  things,  then 
harassing,  are  now  buried  in  the  grave  of  oblivion. 
He  entered  with  his  accustomed  diligence  and 
thoroughness,  on  the  investigation.  The  papers  and 
correspondence  which  he  has  left  behind,  reveal  his 
determination  to  be  satisfied  with  nothing  short  of 
demonstrating  evidence.  He  consulted  eminent  legal 
counsel  in  Pittsburgh  and  Philadelphia.  His  worst 
fears  were  realized.  The  zeal  of  the  friends  in 
Pittsburgh  had  led  them  into  error.  Satisfied  on  this 
point,  his  way  was  clear  to  resign,  and  thus  arrest 
20 


234  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

matters,  and  compel  the  seminary  to  perfect  its  title, 
if  it  were  possible.  After  another  day  of  fasting  on 
the  first  day  of  the  new  year,  1829,  his  mind  was 
sweetly  composed  in  the  view  of  duty.  ''  How 
wonderful,"  he  writes  ^'the  ways  of  God!  I  little 
thought  of  such  a  turn  of  matters.  I  see  the  hand 
of  God !  He  held  me  back  till  the  time  arrived  for 
a  conclusion.  I  feel  satisfied  with  having  done  my 
duty,  both  in  accepting  my  office,  and  now  in  resign- 
ing it.  Blessed  be  God !  All  things,  I  trust,  will 
work  together  for  my  good.  I  closed  my  exercises 
by  renewing  my  covenant,  and  asking  the  forgive- 
ness of  imperfections." 

He  gave  the  Directors  the  required  notice,  that  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly  he  would  ask  leave 
to  resign  his  office.  At  the  close  of  the  session  he 
journeyed  with  his  household  to  Philadelphia, 
having  been  absent  about  ten  months.  The  people 
of  his  late  charge,  now  under  the  ministry  of  the  Kev. 
Joseph  Sanford,  gathered  around  him  in  affectionate 
greetings.  At  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly, 
he  asked  leave  to  resign  his  professorship,  and  gave 
at  length,  his  reasons.  He  reviewed  the  question 
of  the  title,  and  spread  out  a  large  amount  of  facts 
and  legal  opinions  before  the  house,  that  the  Assem- 
bly might  intelligently  protect  the  interests  of  the 
institution,  and  he  concludes  with  these  words: 
'^  Being  conscious  of  having  endeavoured  to  ascer- 
tain and  do  the  Divine  will,  /  feel  no  regret  at  having 
accepted  my  appointment.  It  is  not  for  us  to  deter- 
mine duty  with  a  j)ropheiic  eye.     Ours  is  an  humble 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  235 

task;  to  learn  present  duty  from  present  circum- 
stances. Israel;  by  following  the  guidance  of  the 
heavenly  cloud,  made  their  journeys,  and  not  unfre- 
quently,  retrograde  ones.  They  returned  and 
pitched  their  tents  in  places  they  had  formerly  left. 
We  need  not  complain,  for  He  who  knows  the  future 
as  perfectly  as  the  past^  has  said :  '  In  all  thy  ways 
acknowledge  him,  and  he  will  direct  thy  paths.' 
For  all  the  facts  stated  in  this  communication,  I  hold 
myself  responsible,  and  stand  ready  to  produce 
further  evidence  if  needed.  The  opinions  expressed, 
will  go  for  what  the  Assembly  may  think  them  worth. 
I  will,  however,  observe,  that  they  have  been  care- 
fully and  prayerfully  formed ;  and  add,  that  I  could 
not  withhold  what  is  contained  in  this  communica- 
tion consistently  with  what  I  deem  duty."  His 
reasons  were  conclusive  with  all  who  were  willing  to 
be  convinced.  The  Assembly  accepted  his  resigna- 
tion. 

It  was  painful  for  him  to  differ  from  his  friends, 
and  to  place  himself  in  a  position  which  might  pro- 
voke censure.  His  venerable  friend.  Dr.  Green,  in 
his  great  anxiety  for  the  seminary,  endeavoured  to 
detain  him  at  his  post,  and  in  a  long  letter,  argued 
the  matter;  but  expresses  at  the  same  time,  the 
utmost  confidence  in  his  integrity  and  his  prayerful 
spirit,  with  which  he  knew  he  would  seek  the  will  of 
God.  It  was  natural  the  friends  of  the  seminary 
should  feel  a  degree  of  disappointment  in  the  over- 
throw of  their  plans.  But  we  believe  such  feelings 
were  temporary,  and  God  brought  good  out  of  it. 


236  LITE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

Successful  efforts  were  made  to  perfect  the  title,  and 
in  all  human  probability,  it  is  owing  to  Dr.  Janeway's 
firmness  and  straight-forward  course,  that  they  have 
escaped  dangers  which  he  was  persuaded  would 
wreck  their  property.  The  institution  now 
flourishes;  a  large  number  have  issued  from  its 
walls,  and  it  is  now  among  the  established  and 
honoured  schools  of  the  Presbyterian  church. 

He  fixed  his  residence  in  Philadelphia,  and 
preached  as  he  had  opportunity.  In  the  work  of 
missions,  the  operations  of  the  Bible  Society  and 
Tract  Society,  he  gladly  engaged,  and  did  good 
service.  Dissensions  in  his  old  charge  began  to 
appear — two  parties  were  formed.  It  was  painful  to 
him  to  see  differences  where  he  had  left  peace  and 
harmony.  His  own  situation  became  unpleasant, 
from  the  efforts  made  to  enlist  him  in  one  or  other  of 
the  contending  factions.  He  resolved,  that  in  the 
spring  of  the  next  year,  he  would  remove  to  New 
York.  Before  that  time  he  received  a  pressing  call 
as  pastor  of  the  First  Eeformed  Dutch  Church, 
New  Brunswick,  which  he  deemed,  it  his  duty  to 
accept.  In  April,  1830,  he  removed  to  New  Bruns- 
wick, and  became  pastor  of  that  large  congregation. 
The  duties  were  onerous.  His  preaching  was  ex- 
tended to  the  country  parts — his  visiting  laborious. 
He  felt  that  the  interest  of  religion  required  that  a 
large  portion  of  the  worshippers  living  in  the 
country,  should  form  into  a  separate  organization. 
The  propriety  was  acknowledged  on  all  hands ;  but, 
as  there  was  an  indisposition  to  leave  his  ministry,  in 


LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  237 

tlie  same  spirit  of  sacrifice  wliicli  marked  his  life,  lie 
determined  to  leave  them.  He  was  released  by  the 
classis,  after  having  served  the  church  one  year. 

His  heart  was  in  his  work.  He  loved  to  preach. 
He  had  ample  means  on  which  to  live.  But  he 
declares  it  to  be  a  degradation  if  he  were  to  live 
unemployed,  or  spend  his  time  in  cultivating  his 
property ;  while  health  and  strength  should  remain 
he  would  labour  on.  God  would  open  a  field,  he 
felt  persuaded,  however  obscure.  He  minded  not,  if 
he  could  only  preach  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Jesus.  He  trusted  that  his  latter  days  would  be 
more  useful  than  his  former. 

Keceiving  a  call  from  a  new  enterprise  in  the  same 
denomination,  in  Orchard  Street,  New  York,  he  de- 
cided to  remove  to  that  city,  and  labour  in  the  field 
until  he  could  decide  on  the  feasibility  of  the  enter- 
prise. Every  Sabbath  he  walked  two  miles,  and 
preached  twice  a  Sabbath,  besides  a  weekly  lecture. 
He  preached  at  his  own  charges  for  six  months,  but 
discovered,  as  he  thought,  a  disposition  on  the  part 
of  the  denomination  to  allow  him  to  pay  the  entire 
debt  of  many  thousands,  and  sustain  himself  He 
declined  the  call,  and  left  them  free  to  elect  another 
pastor. 

June  7,  1830.  "I  am  observing  this  day  as  a  day 
of  fasting  and  prayer,  imploring  direction  in  regard 
to  the  call.  I  feel  free  to  decline  it.  It  appears  to 
be  duty  to  wait  and  see  what  may  be  the  will  of 
Providence.  God  can  prepare  a  sphere  of  useful- 
ness for  me.  I  love  to  preach  the  unsearchable 
20^- 


238  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

riclies  of  Christ.  Oli,  for  tlie  zeal,  and  activity,  and 
energy  of  an  angel,  in  tlie  service  of  my  Lord  and 
Master,  Jesus  Christ.  In  the  mean  while,  till  the  Lord 
calls  me  to  a  fixed  station,  I  may  prosecute  my 
studies,  preach  as  opportunities  offer,  and  write  as 
occasion  may  require.  I  cast  myself  on  the  provi- 
dence of  God.  I  wish  to  glorify  his  name,  and  to 
be  honoured  in  his  hand  for  extending  the  kingdom 
of  his  Son.  At  the  close  I  renewed  my  covenant 
with  God.  It  has  been  a  pleasant  day.  In  the 
commencement  of  my  exercises  I  felt  confidence  in 
God,  and  had  strong  emotions.  1  trust  in  God.  He 
will  provide !     I  look  for  his  salvation  1" 

He  continued  to  reside  in  Kew  York  a  year  longer. 
It  was  during  that  period,  that  he  successfully  ac- 
complished his  purpose,  with  reference  to  the 
theatre  which  has  been  related  on  a  previous  page, 
and  he  never  regretted  his  residence  in  New  York, 
because  he  was  enabled  to  accomplish  the  desire  of 
his  heart. 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  239 


CHAPTEE    YII. 
1831  TO  1858. 

Residence   in  New  Brunswick — Connection  with  tlie   College — 
Publications — Death  of  his  Wife — Declining  years. 

November  3.  "  This  day  I  liave  observed  as  a 
day  of  fasting,  humiliation  and  prayer.  The  objects 
I  had  in  view,  were  to  humble  myself,  confess  my 
sins,  ask  forgiveness,  and  pray  to  be  revived;  to 
pray  for  my  wife  and  children;  to  implore  the 
sanctified  use  of  property ;  to  pray  for  wisdom  and 
skill  in  the  management  of  the  trust  estate,  and 
success  in  it,  and  to  pray  for  a  sphere  of  usefulness 
in  the  church.  Influential  ministers  and  others,  of 
the  Dutch  church,  wish  me  to  succeed,  in  the  college 
and  theological  school,  the  late  professor.  Dr.  DeWitt. 
At  first  I  felt  indisposed  to  it,  and  told  them  so. 
But  since  I  have  an  opportunity  of  thinking  it  over, 
I  feel  more  reconciled  to  obey,  if  it  should  be  the 
Lord's  will  to  send  me  back  to  New  Brunswick. 
The  state  of  my  mind  is  this,  if  it  be  the  will  of  the 
Lord,  I  desire  to  go;  but  if  not,  I  would  not 
have  a  wish  for  that  station.  It  would  be  ardu- 
ous; but  I  feel  a  desire  to  labour  for  God.  I 
now  leave  the  matter  with  infinite  wisdom  and 
sovereignty — the  will  of  God  be  done.  Synod  meet 
next  week  to  elect  a  professor,  and  by  their  proceed- 


240  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

ings,  I  trust,  I  sliall  be  able  to  learn  God's  will  con- 
cerning me.  Tbe  blessings  of  my  covenant  God 
be  upon  me  1" 

We  find  bim  tbrough  tbe  year  in  New  York. 
Tbe  approacb  of  tbe  Asiatic  cbolera  for  tbe  first 
time,  induced  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  tbat  be 
migbt  commit  bis  family  to  Divine  protection.  He 
so  expanded  bis  designs  as  to  review  bis  wbole 
course  since  be  left  Pbiladelpbia  for  Pittsburgb.  He 
narrowly  scrutinized  bis  movements,  and  all  bis  re- 
movals since.  Tbe  solemn  result  was  tbat  be  bad 
acted  in  tbe  fear  of  God,  and  according  to  tbe  ligbt 
given ;  and  tbougb  bis  way  was  now  sbut  up,  and 
no  opening  for  labour  disclosed  itself,  be  would  wait 
on  God.  "  Deligbt  tbyself  in  tbe  Lord,  and  sball 
give  tbee  tbe  desires  of  tby  beart."  His  exercises, 
be  records,  were  pleasant  and  profitable ;  and  so  on 
tbrougb  tbe  year  and  in  tbe  beginning  of  tbe  next ; 
no  field  opened,  vet  be  doubted  not  tbat  God  would 
provide.  He  desired  yet  to  preacb  Cbrist  and  serve 
tbe  cburcb  of  God, 

In  May,  1833,  be  was  elected  by  tbe  General  Synod 
of  tbe  Keformed  Dutcb  Cburcb,  Vice-President  of 
Eutgers  College,  and  Professor  of  Belles-Lettres  and 
tbe  Evidences  of  Cbristianity,  witb  a  salary  attacbed, 
wbicb  tbe  fund  did  not  permit  to  be  paid.  A  door 
was  opened  now,  but  was  it  tbe  will  of  God  tbat  be 
sbould  enter  it  ?  Tbougb  anxious  to  be  employed, 
and  tbougb  an  bonourable  appointment  was  made, 
be  submits  all  to  God,  and,  witb  tbe  utmost  delibera- 
tion, concludes  to  accept.     He  was  unemployed  ;  tbe 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  241 

place  of  residence  was  pleasant  for  his  family;  lie 
could  educate,  under  his  own  eye,  his  younger  sons  ; 
he  could  be  useful  in  educating  the  youth  of  the  col- 
lege ;  and  he  might  find  places  which  were  destitute 
of  the  gospel,  and  it  would  furnish  a  sphere  of  use- 
fulness, till  Grod  should  bid  him  leave.  He  removed 
to  'New  Brunswick,  which  was  to  be  his  home  for  the 
remainder  of  his  life,  and  entered  upon  his  duties* 
with  his  usual  earnestness.  For  six  years  he  dis- 
charged his  work,  and  laboured  for  the  welfare  of  the 
college.  It  was  a  day  of  strife  in  the  Synod.  The 
college  had  warm  friends,  and  as  bitter  opponents. 
His  clear  head,  and  ready  power  in  marshalling  facts, 
made  him  a  suitable  person  to  defend  the  college,  and 
thwart  the  designs  of  those  who  sought  its  overthrow. 
He  was  successful,  and  at  this  writing  the  college 
bids  fairer  to  reach  eminence  than  for  years.  The 
Presidency  of  the  college  was  offered  him,  on  the 
retirement  of  Dr.  Milledoler,  but  he  declined.  His 
mode  of  study,  and  the  active  life  he  had  led  in  the 
ministry — his  preference  for  the  pulpit,  rendered  him 
unwilling  to  discharge  this  service. 

January  4,  1836.  "To-day  I  have  spent  in  private 
fasting  and  prayer.  My  object  was  to  pray  with 
others  for  the  conversion  of  the  world.  With  this 
great  object  I  conjoined  my  own  usefulness.  I  wish 
to  do  my  part  in  this  great  work.  I  desire  earnestly 
to  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ.  This  I  prefer  to  all 
others.  My  feelings  have  been  engaged  and  my 
prayers  earnest.  I  hope  God  will  give  me  a  charge ; 
gladly  would  I  accept  of  one  of  a  suitable  kind  and 


242  LIFE   OF   DE.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY. 

place.  Arrangements  can  now  be  made^  so  that  the 
college  and  seminary  would  not  suffer  by  my  re- 
moval. I  leave  all  with  God.  His  holy  will  be 
done." 

In  1837,  God  was  pleased  to  pour  out  his  Spirit  in 
a  gracious  and  wonderful  degree,  upon  the  churches 
in  New  Brunswick,  and  upon  the  college.  In  this 
his  heart  rejoiced,  and  the  more,  as  two  of  his  sons, 
one  a  student  in  the  college,  and  the  other  a  recent 
graduate,  were  subjects  of  the  work.  He  laboured 
in  public  and  in  private,  to  hold  up  the  hands  of  the 
ministers.  His  journal  reveals  the  fulness  of  his  joy, 
and  his  sentiments  of  adoring  gratitude.  He  calls 
upon  his  soul  to  bless  God,  and  complains  that  he 
could  not  feel  grateful  enough.  It  was  one  of  those 
cloud  bursts  of  mercy,  which  fell  upon  these  ancient 
churches,  to  an  extent  unknown  in  their  history.  It 
was  an  epoch  in  his  life,  and  furnished  material  for 
much  meditation  for  years.  He  dated  the  increased 
prosperity  of  the  college  from  this  period,  and  felt  sure 
that  if  the  church  which  controlled  it  would  only 
cease  to  wrangle,  God  had  opened  before  it  a  career 
of  success  which  would  bring  blessings  into  her  lap. 
Deeply  interested,  as  he  had  always  been,  in  the  edu- 
cation of  pious  youth  for  the  ministry,  and  constant 
as  his  prayers  always  were,  that  the  Lord  of  the  har- 
vest would  thrust  labourers  into  his  vineyard,  he  now 
saw  a  goodly  number,  the  gatherings  of  the  revival, 
preparing  for  the  work ;  and  he  lived  long  enough 
to  rejoice  in  the  success  of  some,  who  had  been  his 
pupils  during  this  time  of  refreshing. 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  243 

In  1839,  lie  resigned  Ms  offices  in  Kutgers  Col- 
lege, and  at  the  same  time  returned  to  the  Presbyte- 
rian church.      This   step   was  not  taken  from  any 
dissatisfaction  with  the  ancient  and  venerable  church 
in  which  he  had  been  born  and  educated.     But  the 
Presbyterian  church  had  been  his  adopted  home  for 
thirty  years.     He  had  grown  with  its  growth ;   he 
had  been  identified  with  its  great  advances — had  been 
linked   in  with  its  missionary  movements.     There 
were  his  cherished  and  intimate  friends,  and  they 
were  urgent  for  his  return.     But  apart  from  all  these 
considerations,  he  weighed  the  question  maturely,  and 
believed  that  the  Presbyterian  church  offered  a  field 
of  wider  influence,  and  this  decided  him.     Believing 
his  duty  required  him  to  leave  the  college,  he  saw 
no  such  opening  for  usefulness  in  the  Dutch,  as  in 
the  Presbyterian  church.     His  old  friends  gladly  wel- 
comed him  back,  and  restored  him  to  the  posts  of 
honour  he  had  formerly  held.  He  was  elected  a  trustee 
in  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  which  office  he  had  va- 
cated when  he  removed  to  the  West ;  and  the  General 
Assembly  replaced  him  in  the  Directors'  Board  of 
the  Semruary  at  Princeton,  with  whose  earliest  move- 
ments he  had  been  connected — for  which  he  laboured, 
and  to  which  he  had  liberally  given  of  his  funds. 
These  marks  of  respect  touched  him.     The  Presby- 
terian church,  now  rid  of  the  novelties  which  dis- 
turbed her  peace,  and  separated  from  those  who  had 
troubled  her  quiet,  by  the  secession  of  the  New  School, 
in  1838,  was  entering  on  that  work  of  missionary 
effort,  through  her  Boards,  which  God  has  since  so 


244  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

signally  blessed.  He  was  a  profound  believer  tliat 
tlie  clmrcli,  in  lier  distinctive  cliaracter,  should  carry 
on  missions.  He  believed  God  bad  devolved  the  duty 
upon  ber,  and  in  bis  eyes  it  was  little  sbort  of  treason 
to  ber  adorable  Head,  to  besitate  or  decline.  He  was 
placed  on  tbe  Executive  Committee  of  tbe  Foreign 
Board,  and  thougb  tbe  Committee  met  on  Monday 
morning  of  every  week,  in  New  York,  tbirty  miles 
from  bis  residence,  be  was  most  punctual  in  bis 
attendance,  and  tbus  be  continued,  till  tbe  increasing 
infirmities  of  advanced  age  admonisbed  bim  tbat  bis 
days  of  active  labour  were  almost  over.  In  every, 
matter  connected  witb  tbat  Board,  be  was  deeply 
interested.  To  its  funds  be  gave  tbe  largest  of  bis 
contributions;  over  its  missions  be  prayed;  and  in 
its  successes  be  greatly  rejoiced. 

We  bave  now  come  to  tbe  later  stages  of  bis  life, 
still  filled  witb  active  labour  in  tbe  work  of  bis  Mas* 
ter.  Matters  connected  witb  tbe  movement  of  tbe 
Bible  Society  interested  bim.  He  bad  been  ber  life- 
long friend,  and  be  was  true  to  tbe  end  of  bis  days. 
Tbe  distribution  of  Bibles,  cbiefly  tbrougb  tbe  county 
society,  occupied  bis  attention.  He  gave  regularly 
and  largely  to  its  funds,  and  manifested  great  interest 
in  tbe  resupply  of  tbe  State  of  New  Jersey.  His 
industry  in  study  was  remarkable  for  a  man  of  bis 
years;  bis  books  were,  as  ever,  bis  cbosen  com- 
panions. His  attention  was  turned  towards  tbe  unful  • 
filled  propbecies  of  God.  He  understood  tbe  words, 
Eev.  i.  8,  ''Blessed  is  be  tbat  readetb,  and  tbey  tbat 
bear,  tbe  words  of  tbis  propbecy,  and  keep  tbose 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  245 

things  tliat  are  written  therein,"  as  expressive  of  the 
will  of  God ;  and  he  had  too  profound  a  reverence  for 
his  Lord  to  hesitate  a  moment  in  his  obedience.  He 
thought  much  on  the  subject ;  his  mode  of  studying 
them  was  chiefly  by  comparing  Scripture  with  Scrip- 
ture. He  wrote  much,  but  chiefly  notes  for  future 
use,  if  God  should  spare  him,  he  said,  to  give  the 
results  to  the  church. 

He  had  long  been  interested  in  the  conversion  of 
the  Jews.  He  believed  in  their  final  return  to  that 
land  which  has  kept  its  Sabbaths  for  centuries.  In 
the  earlier  part  of  his  ministry,  in  his  public  prayers, 
he  remembered  them  before  God.  He  differed  in 
this  respect  from  almost  all  his  brethren.  His  heart 
beat  warm  towards  Israel.  He  searched  the  Scrip- 
tures for  the  evidences  that  God  would  yet  remember 
Zion,  and  have  mercy  on  Jacob.  He  afterwards  pub- 
lished a  little  volume,  entitled  ''Hope  for  the  Jews," 
to  vindicate  their  interest  in  the  promises  made  to 
their  fathers.  He  was  not  daunted  in  his  faith  by 
the  feeble  successes  of  the  church,  and  the  fewness 
of  the  converts.  He  died  in  the  full  assurance  that 
Zion  should  yet  put  on  her  beautiful  garments,  and 
again  become  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth.  He  was 
not,  in  any  sense,  a  premillennarian.  He  held  the 
received  doctrine  of  the  church,  that  the  second  ad- 
vent of  Christ  and  the  judgment  would  be  simulta- 
neous. His  Lord  would  come  again,  he  knew,  but 
by  his  Spirit,  the  thousand  years  of  glory  would  be 
in  the  wonderful  revival  of  religion,  the  conversion 
of  the  nations,  and  the  pouring  out,  in  unknown  and 
21 


246  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

unprecedented  measures,  of  tlie  spirit  of  holiness.  On 
this  subject  he  loved  to  talk,  and  his  children  recall 
the  increased  brightening  of  his  countenance,  when 
he  gave  utterance  to  his  views  on  this  blessed  theme. 
His  meditations  on  prophecy  were  never  published ; 
he  left  them  in  too  unfinished  state  to  permit  it ;  and 
probably  in  this  matter  he  was  in  advance  of  his  day, 
and  had  pushed  his  inquiries  further  than  most  of 
his  contemporaries. 

In  May,  1848,  his  venerable  friend.  Dr.  Green, 
died.  They  had  often  met,  during  the  decline  of 
this  man  of  God,  and  communed  together.  On  one 
occasion.  Dr.  Green  told  his  visitor  that  he  never 
failed  to  remember  him  and  his  family  in  his  daily 
approaches  to  the  throne  of  grace;  a  rare  instance, 
certainly,  of  Christian  friendship.  His  funeral  took 
place  at  Princeton,  to  which  they  carried  his  body, 
to  sleep  with  the  former  Presidents  of  the  college. 
Dr.  Janeway  was  designated  by  the  family,  the  ofii- 
cers  of  the  college,  and  general  opinion,  as  the  fitting 
person  to  preach  at  his  interment,  which  he  did,  on 
the  words — "  To  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is 
gain."  He  pronounced  a  simple  but  graceful  tribute 
to  the  memory  of  his  departed  friend,  full  of  affec- 
tion and  the  utmost  sincerity.  Thus  closed  a  friend- 
ship in  Christ,  of  half  a  century — Paul  and  Timothy 
revived  in  these  latter  days — a  union  unbroken — 
reverence  and  respect  on  the  one  hand,  and  confiding 
love  on  the  other. 

A  year  later,  and  Dr.  Miller  died — another  of  his 
most  cherished  friends,  who,  in  an  introduction  to  Dr. 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  247 

Janeway's  work  on  the  Internal  Evidences  of  the 
Bible,  says:  "In  addressing  this  letter  to  you,  ac- 
knowledging my  pleasure  in  the  perusal  of   your 
manuscript,  and  soliciting  your  consent  to  its  publi- 
cation, I  have  two  motives.     One  is   disinterested, 
having,  for  its  object,  to  promote  the  going  through 
the  press,  a  work  which,  I  trust,  will  be  the  means  of 
doing  good  long  after  you  and  I  shall  have  gone  to 
our  eternal  rest.     The  other  is  more  personal,  and 
what  some  would  perhaps  call  selfish.     It  is  to  place 
a  record  on  this  humble  page,  which  may  inform  my 
children  that  the  beloved  and  venerated  author  of 
this  little  volume  was  their  father's  friend ;  and  that 
unbroken  and  confiding  intercourse  of  nearly  fifty 
years  united  us  to  one  another,  and,  as  we  humbly 
trust,  in  sanctified  fellowship  in  the  church  of  Grod." 
Thus  his  old  friends  in  the  ministry  were  preceding 
him  to  the  rest  which  remains  lor  the  people  of  God . 
Many  of  his  old  parishioners,  the  fruits  of  his  in- 
gathering, were  being  called  away  to  the  joy  of  their 
Lord.     It  produced  in  him  no  melancholy :  his  usual 
cheerfulness  sustained  him. 

He  became  greatly  interested  in  the  erection  of  a 
new  Presbyterian  church  in  the  town  of  his  resi- 
dence, attended  its  worship,  and  gave  largely  to  its 
support;  and  when  the  present  tasteful  edifice,  in 
which  they  worship,  was  erected,  he  gave  much  of 
his  time  and  attention  to  the  building,  and  con- 
tributed, of  his  own  funds,  between  four  and  five 
thousand  dollars.  The  hands  of  the  minister  he 
always  upheld,  and   gave   him   the  encouragement 


248  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

which  was  his  due  in  the  Lord.  He  judged  another 
organization  was  needed;  and  that,  in  a  growing 
town  like  New  Brunswick,  there  was  room  for  a 
second  erection.  He  was  as  devout  and  attentive  a 
worshipper  as  any  who  attended  there,  and  though 
for  so  many  years  the  pulpit  had  been  his  place,  he 
was  as  meek  in  his  pew,  as  if  he  had  never  been  any 
thing  but  a  worshipper. 

His  studies  were  now  pursued  with  his  usual  ar- 
dour. He  passed  more  hours  with  his  books  than 
many  who  were  his  juniors.  It  was  so,  because  he 
loved  study,  and  because  he  was  conscientious  in  the 
employment  of  his  time.  His  habits  were  systematic ; 
his  hours  had  their  appropriate  employment.  He 
had  his  time  for  exercise,  which  he  always  took,  un- 
less hindered  by  the  inclemency  of  the  weather.  His 
daily  allotment  was  three  miles,  and  he  always  said, 
that  his  persevering  use  of  exercise  in  the  open  air 
was  the  means  of  prolonging  his  life.  In  earlier  life, 
and  in  mature  manhood,  horseback  exercise  was  much 
resorted  to  by  him  in  Philadelphia.  As  sole  pastor  of 
the  church,  he  for  twelve  years  and  more  was  accus- 
tomed to  give  his  people  three  services  on  the  Sab- 
bath— two  in  the  large  church,  and  one  in  the  evening, 
in  his  spacious  lecture-room,  which  readily  accommo- 
dated five  hundred  people,  he  uniformly  rode  his 
horse  on  Saturday  afternoon,  as  contributing  to  the 
confirming  of  his  mtiscular  vigour.  He  continued 
to  ride  on  horseback  some  years  after  coming  to  New 
Brunswick,  but  increasing  infirmities  induced  him  to 
desist.     His  conduct   in  this  matter  is  an  example 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  249 

which  may  be  commended  to  his  successors  in  the 
ministry.  So  far  from  being  a  waste  of  time,  it  is 
time's  redemption,  because  it  communicates  the 
vigour  which  accomplishes  a  given  work  in  fewer 
hours.  He  never  spoke  of  his  example  in  any  other 
matter  but  this :  he  had  known  its  beneficial  results, 
and  he  wished  that  others  should  share  them. 

In  1850,  the  heaviest  sorrow  of  his  life  fell  upon 
him.  The  wife  of  his  youth  sickened  and  died.  Her 
illness  continued  many  months;  it  was  a  gradual  de- 
cline until,  in  September,  she  was  removed  from  her 
family.  During  her  sickness,  his  affectionate  tender- 
ness was  as  gentle  as  ever,  and  suggestions  which 
promised  any  relief  were  adopted,  regardless  of 
expense.  But  in  vain.  The  summons  had  come ; 
disease  had  received  its  commission.  Surrounded 
by  her  family,  who  were  there  to  cherish  the  best  of 
mothers,  life  ebbed  slowly  away,  until,  after  pro- 
tracted discomfort  and  suffering,  in  the  early  morn  of 
September  19,  after  a  period  of  unconsciousness,  with- 
out a  struggle  her  spirit  departed  to  God,  who  gave 
it.  During  these  last  hours,  her  aged  husband  sat  at 
her  bedside,  and  watched  the  sinking  life  of  his  com- 
panion, his  friend,  his  counsellor.  When  all  was 
over,  he  sank  at  her  bedside,  gave  thanks  to  God  for 
all  his  mercy  in  her  and  through  her,  and,  in  the 
fulness  of  his  heart,  uttered  the  sublime  words  of  the 
patriarch  of  Uz,  "  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath 
taken  away;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord."  His 
calmness  before  his  family  was  sustained ;  but  in  his 
study,  nature  had  its  hours  of  agony.  The  union  of 
21* 


250  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY. 

almost  half  a  century  was  dissolved.  She  had  been 
his  chosen  and  intimate  friend.  Dr.  Janeway  made 
few  confidential  communications  of  his  sorrows  or 
joys,  beyond  her  circle.  She  was  indeed  a  helpmeet 
for  him.  She  relieved  her  husband  of  the  entire 
charge  and  care  of  the  family;  made  all  the  pur- 
chases and  arrangements ;  and  thus  enabled  him  to 
give  all  his  attention  to  his  great  work.  She  was 
prudent,  and  therefore  the  heart  of  her  husband 
could  safely  trust  her.  An  affectionate  mother,  her 
delight  was  in  the  bosom  of  her  family.  Beyond 
the  visits  which  duty  required,  she  had  little  care 
but  for  those  whom  God  had  given  her.  Her  piety 
was  modest  and  diffident.  She  had,  it  is  believed 
but  few  of  the  elevations  which  are  granted  to  some 
'of  God's  children.  But  her  works  praised  her,  and 
her  children  rise  up  and  call  her  blessed.  She  was 
deeply  impressed  with  her  obligations  to  train  them 
in  the  fear  of  God.  She  taught  their  infant  lips  to 
pray,  and  imbued  their  earliest  memories  with  the 
words  of  the  heavenly  oracles.  Over  their  advanc- 
ing years  she  watched  with  prayer;  and  when  God 
was  pleased  to  ripen  the  seed  of  this  education  and 
Christian  training,  how  greatly  did  she  rejoice !  Her 
joy  was  above  the  joy  of  harvest.  And  when  she 
left  us,  four  of  her  six  children  were  in  the  commu- 
nion of  the  church,  and  two  of  them  ministers  of  the 
gospel;  while  another  was  prevented,  by  chronic 
affection  of  the  throat,  from  pursuing  the  same  high 
and  holy  vocation.  Her  influence  over  those  who 
served  her  was  unusual.     Domestics  lived  in  her  ser- 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  251 

vice  for  years,  attached  and  affectionate.  She  treated 
them  as  immortals,  and  sought  their  temporal  and 
eternal  welfare.     "  She  is  not,  for  God  took  her." 

After  her  death,  Dr.  Janeway  girded  up  the 
loins  of  his  mind,  believing  that  his  time  was  short. 
He  omitted  no  duty ;  he  was  found  in  his  place  in  all 
the  courts  of  the  church.  Deprived  of  the  compa- 
nion of  his  life,  he  gave  himself  to  more  study.  His 
room  was  his  chosen  place,  and  seldom  did  he  leave 
it,  except  when  he  went  forth  on  his  diurnal  walk. 
The  study  of  the  Scriptures  became  more  engrossing ; 
the  coming  glories  of  Zion  filled  his  eye,  and  quick- 
ened his  prayers.  Now  rapidly  approaching  four- 
score years,  he  wrote  much,  and  published  in  quick 
succession.  The  intrusion  of  semi-papacy  into  a 
respected  branch  of  the  Protestant  church,  aroused 
him;  and  he  vigorously  uncovered  the  design,  and 
held  up  the  pure  faith  of  God's  flock.  He  published 
a  work,  called  the  Antidote  to  Popery — the  fruit  of 
much  study  and  research.  He  was  jealous  for  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  and  trembled  when  he  saw  attempts 
to  dim  the  rising  glory  of  the  church.  He  went  back 
to  his  old  studies  on  prophecy.  His  love  for  Zion 
was  very  great ;  as  his  own  time  grew  shorter,  his 
interest  in  her  success  became  greater.  Her  coming 
glories — the  downfall  of  Antichrist,  on  the  Tiber  and 
the  Bosphorus,  occupied  his  mind.  He  read  all  to 
which  he  had  access,  and  endured  trouble  to  find 
authors  who  handled  what-  to  him  were  precious  sub- 
jects. In  the  success  of  missions  he  was  deeply  inter- 
ested.    Elected  President  of  the  Board  of  Domestic 


252  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY. 

Missions,  on  tlie  death  of  liis  venerable  friend,  Dr. 
Green,  lie  was  in  the  habit  of  attending  its  meetings, 
at  Philadelphia,  every  alternate  month.  All  its  com- 
missions he  signed  before  they  were  countersigned  at 
the  office ;  and  this  he  did,  until  the  weight  of  years 
rendered  it  a  burden,  and  these  visits  to  Philadelphia 
a  risk. 

His  diligence  in  study  became  probably  excessive, 
on  account  of  his  years.  Though  his  outward  form 
was  still  erect,  and  a  remarkable  freshness  still 
marked  him,  yet  so  many  hours  spent  every  day  in 
his  study,  must  have  told  on  his  frame,  however 
vigorous.  He  has  been  known  to  have  spent  ten  or 
more  hours,  for  consecutive  days,  in  reading  and 
writing.  Left  so  much  alone,  after  the  death  of  his 
wife,  who  in  her  lifetime  often  solaced  him,  and,  by 
her  conversation,  broke  the  continuity  of  his  close  ap- 
plication, his  mind  found  its  enjoyment  among  his 
books.  General  society  he  never  much  affected,  and 
now  utterly  abandoned.  The  Bible  was  his  great 
study,  and  other  books,  only  as  they  illustrated  the 
word  of  God.  He  resumed  his  former  study  of  the 
prophecies,  and  especially  in  the  great  aspects  of  the 
decline  and  fall  of  Antichrist.  In  early  life,  while 
settled  in  the  ministry,  we  have  seen  that  he  had,  in 
the  interval  of  his  parochial  duties,  paid  much  atten- 
tion to,  and  written  much  on  this  subject.  He  had  a 
taste  for  these  studies,  and  his  venerable  instructer  in 
theology,  to  whom  he  deferred,  more  than  to  any 
other  man,  was  fond  of  the  subject,  and,  as  far  as 
evidence  has  reached  us,  discreet  in  his  interpretation. 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  253 

We  liave  lieard  Dr.  Janeway  often  say,  that  when 
Napoleon  entered  on  his  great  and  disastrous  cam- 
paign against  Eussia,  Dr.  Livingston  remarked,  /'  If 
I  understand  prophecy,  he  has  no  commission  there;" 
and  the  sagacity  of  his  rendering  of  prophecy  was 
confirmed  by  the  event.  All  that  was  accessible  on 
the  subject  he  procured — read  again  the  books  of 
his  early  life/  and  searched  the  Scriptures  daily,  to 
see  if  these  things  were  so.  His  views,  as  already 
remarked,  were  not  premillennarian.  He  firmly  held 
to  the  actual  return  of  the  Jews  to  their  own  land, 
as  taught  in  their  ancient  prophecies — not  only  to 
their  ingathering  to  the  New  Testament  church,  but 
as  a  Christian  people,  in  the  old  land  of  their  fathers' 
sepulchres.  His  views  of  the  millennium  were  often 
expressed.  It  is  believed  they  were  the  subjects  of 
glowing  meditation  all  his  Christian  life.  He  loved 
the  Saviour,  and  the  growth  of  his  kingdom  was 
dear  to  him.  He  considered  the  reign  of  Christ  a 
thousand  years,  to  be  spiritual — not  visible  and  per- 
sonal. It  was  to  be  the  universal  diffusion  of  right- 
eousness, the  result  of  wonderful  and  continued 
revivals  of  religion.  He  did  not  hold  that  every 
individual  would,  necessarily,  be  actually  and  really 
converted;  but  the  great  masses  would  be,  and  so 
dominant  would  religion  be,  that  it  would  overpower 
and  awe  the  unchanged.  All  the  improvements  in 
the  arts — especially  the  substitution  of  steam  for 
horse-power,  rejoiced  him,  as  affording  evidence  of 
the  greater  increase,  in  that  auspicious  day,  of  the 
world's  population,  and  therefore  the  furnishing  of 


254  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

more  subjects  for  the  converting  grace  of  God.  There 
was  nothing  intemperate,  or  beyond  the  reach  of  sober 
reason,  in  his  views  and  renderings  of  the  prophecies 
of  God. 

As  his  studies  proceeded,  his  thoughts  converged 
on  the  fall  of  Antichrist;  and  commencing,  as  he 
did,  the  reign  of  the  Beast  with  the  Emperor  Phocas, 
in  A.  D.  606,  he  found  the  close  of  the  Papacy  in 
1866 — these  intervening  periods  exhausting  the  1260 
days  of  the  Apocalypse.  He  was  not  understood  as 
affirming  the  utter  extirpation  of  popery,  but  such  a 
downfall  and  overthrow  as  would  destroy  the  su- 
premacy of  the  Pope,  and  extinguish  the  temporal 
dominion  of  the  tiara  at  Kome.  His  abhorrence  of 
the  system  was  great.  He  believed  its  destruction 
was  to  be  accomplished  by  a  circulating  Bible,  and 
such  a  concurrence  of  providences,  as  would  crush 
out  this  mystery  of  iniquity.  In  his  last  sickness, 
when  disease  had  obscured  his  fine  mind,  he  still 
talked  of  it,  and  seemed  to  count  the  years  which 
remained,  until  the  evolutions  of  God's  will. 

In  the  midst  of  these  studies,  he  took  up  and  pub- 
lished on  a  cognate  subject.  His  thoughts  pursued 
the  same  line  with  those  of  President  Edwards,  in  his 
great  work.  The  History  of  Eedemption ;  and  of  Bishop 
Berkeley,  who,  more  poetically,  and  perhaps  in  a  more 
worldly  sense,  had  started  the  idea  that  this  country 
was  reserved  of  God,  to  be  the  chosen  theatre  of  his 
most  wonderful  displays  of  grace  towards  man,  and  in 
which  the  earliest  rays  of  the  divine  glory  should 
shine.     Himself  a  true  patriot,  he  was  deeply  inter- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY  255 

ested  in  tlie  welfare  of  his  native  land ;  and  tlie  sec- 
tional agitations  which  at  times  threatened  it,  were  to 
him  a  great  grief.  He  published  a  pamphlet,  which 
he  entitled  Hope  for  my  Country.  The  dominion 
of  Jesus  Christ  over  the  world — his  divine  authority, 
which  gave  him  a  right  to  reign — was  his  main  con- 
fidence ;  then,  that  Christ,  in  the  exercise  of  this 
absolute  dominion  did  open,  in  the  best  time  and  in 
the  best  way,  a  refuge,  in  this  land,  for  his  persecuted 
saints  in  Europe.  He  traced  the  early  wonders  of 
Providence,  in  the  settlement  of  this  country.  Papal 
Spain  was  deprived  of  the  honour ;  then  papal  France 
was  despoiled  of  its  dominion  iu  the  northern  parts 
of  the  land,  and  the  better  parts  of  the  continent  were 
reserved  for  the  persecuted  Protestants  of  Europe, 
to  found  an  empire  which  should  embody  the  ele- 
ments of  earthly  freedom.  He  considered  the  blessed 
revivals,  which  at  different  periods  had  glorified  our 
God,  and  sown  the  seeds  of  spiritual  religion  over  a 
continent.  He  believed  the  Eevolution  of  1776,  in 
its  features,  to  have  been  most  marvellously  directed 
of  God.  He  vindicates  the  church  of  his  love  and 
adoption  from  the  insinuations,  so  much  circulated 
some  twenty  years  ago,  from  its  barrenness  in  revi- 
vals— from  its  supposed  indifference  to  these  outpour- 
ings, because  of  its  greater  love  for  the  dry  hones  of 
orthodoxy,  by  showing,  from  its  entire  history,  as 
manifest  in  the  minutes  of  the  General  Assembly,  to 
have  encouraged,  and  to  have  been  greatly  blessed 
in  marvellous  displays  of  God's  grace.  "God  has,  I 
think,  a  glorious  destiny  for  the  American  people. 


256  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

Tliey  are  to  be  used,  I  tliink,  as  a  powerful  instru- 
ment in  tlie  hands  of  the  Eedeemer,  for  spreading 
the  gospel  through  the  whole  world.  Look  at  our 
geographical  position,  between  the  Atlantic  and  the 
Pacific  Oceans,  and  see  what  a  glorious  work  lies 
before  our  nation,  when  God,  our  Eedeemer,  shall 
have  prepared  us  for  it.  May  the  day  come  speedily !" 
As  to  the  perplexing  problem  of  slavery,  he  held  that 
our  Divine  Eedeemer  would  solve  it  in  his  own  way, 
to  the  entire  satisfaction  and  admiration  of  all  real 
Christians.  ''How  easily  can  Jesus  Christ  pour  out 
his  Holy  Spirit  on  us,  and  dispose  the  whole  Ameri- 
can people  to  engage  in  this  work,  for  enlightening 
and  convertinsc  the  whole  of  Africa!"  He  had  no 
faith  in  moral  reforms,  apart  and  dissociated  from 
the  gospel.  It  was  the  Saviour's  gift  for  man's  wel- 
fare, temporal  and  eternal :  this  was  enough,  and  he 
cared  not  to  supplement  the  wisdom  of  Christ  with 
the  devices  of  men.  His  faith  was  strong  in  the 
future  of  our  country.  He  had  seen  her  rocked  in 
the  fierce  political  conflicts  which  were  inaugurated 
with  the  Presidency  of  Jefferson.  The  storms  had 
passed  away — Grod's  own  hand  had  swept  the  clouds 
away  from  the  political  firmament,  and  believing 
that  her  mission  to  the  world  was  unperformed,  he 
doubted  not  that  the  country  would  be  safe — not  by 
the  wisdom  of  statesmen,  but  by  the  providence  of 
Almighty  God.  His  faith  was  calm  and  serene,  for 
its  foundations  were  on  the  power  of  an  Almighty 
Eedeemer,  and  his  love  for  his  own  blood-bought 
inheritance. 


LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  257 

His  views  of  tlie  millennium  increased  the  joy  he 
ordinarily  felt  in  revivals  of  religion.  He  believed 
it  to  be  simply  the  expansion  of  these  works  of 
grace — a  continued  revival  extending  over  a  thous- 
and years.  He  confidently  announced  to  his  chil- 
dren, that  we  were  on  the  eve  of  great  and  notable 
days — that  these  outpourings  would  be  vastly  multi- 
plied. Every  one  he  hailed  with  holy  joy.  He  had 
no  wish  to  live,  except  to  see  the  salvation  of  God. 
And  when  those  blessed  works  of  mercy,  which, 
beginning  in  1858,  as  the  year  opened,  disclosed 
new  marvels  of  mercy  in  the  noon-day  meetings  for 
prayer,  were  mentioned  to  him,  amid  the  feebleness 
which  followed  the  attack  of  his  last  sickness,  we 
remember  how,  his  face  lighted  up,  and  he  said,  "I 
told  you  so ;  they  will  go  on  and  be  multiplied  as  the 
wheel  of  prophecy  rolls  on  God's  day  of  mercy  to 
his  church."  How  much  his  soul  was  refreshed  in 
his  private  meditation  on  these  subjects,  is  known 
only  to  Him  who  seeth  in  secret,  and  rejoiceth  the 
souls  which  wait  on  him. 

In  1857,  his  health  was  seriously  assailed,  and  by 
the  advice  of  his  son  and  physician,  he  was  prevailed 
upon  to  seek  more  quiet,  and  to  abstain  from  so 
much  study.  Time  hung  very  heavy  on  his  hands, 
and  he  longed  for  the  presence  of  those  books  which 
had  been  his  companions  for  more  than  sixty  years. 
As  his  health  rallied,  and  his  strength  returned,  his 
desire  for  his  usual  studies  returned,  and  with  an 
eagerness  which  disease  had  rendered  morbid,  he 
wrote  more  than  ever.  We  all  dreaded  this  tax  on 
22 


258  LIFE  OF  DE.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

the  brain,  and  felt  that  in  all  probability  it  would 
shorten  his  life.  He,  with  his  accustomed  regularity, 
returned  to  his  habits  of  exercise ;  but  it  was  mani- 
fest that  his  strength  could  not  bear  him  up  to  what 
had  long  been  the  measure  of  his  walks.  He  was 
more  easily  fatigued.  He  was  cheerful  as  usual ;  the 
worship  of  the  sanctuary  was  regularly  attended — 
morning  and  evening  he  gathered  his  household  to- 
gether, and  led  their  devotions  with  the  same  fervour 
as  before. 

A  week  before  his  final  attack,  his  eldest  son  rode 
over  to  see  him,  taking  one  of  his  own  sons  with 
him.  He  found  him  busily  writing  in  his  dining- 
room  which  was  better  heated  than  his  study.  He 
was  cheerful  and  pleasant  as  usual.  Finding  him 
engaged,  he  left  on  an  errand,  leaving  his  son  in  the 
room.-  After  he  had  written  some  time,  he  closed 
his  manuscript,  and  laying  aside  his  glasses,  said, 
addressing  his  grandchild  by  name : — "  My  work  on 
earth  is  done ;  I  had  a  warning  from  God  when  I 
first  arose,  but  was  anxious  to  complete  what  I  have 
written.  God  has  permitted  me  to  do  it,  and  I  have 
nothing  more  to  do.  I  want  to  see  your  father,  and 
give  him  some  directions  to  guide  him  after  I  am 
gone."  He  retired  to  his  study,  and  there  remained 
a  long  time,  no  doubt  communing  with  God.  On  the 
return  of  his  son,  he  said  substantially  the  same  to 
him,  and  added,  ''I  hope  I  am  prepared  to  die — I  have 
no  fear."  He  was  during  the  day  calm  and  quiet. 
It  was  true — he  never  wrote  again  or  studied.  The 
succeeding   week   he   was   about   as  usual — seemed 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  259 

active — attended  four  funerals  of  friends  who  had 
departed.  On  Sabbath,  January  31,  he  was  con- 
fined to  that  bed,  from  which  he  never  arose.  Five 
months  of  wearying  sickness  passed  away  till  all 
was  over.  He  never  complained — always  said  he 
did  not  suffer,  though  it  seemed  to  his  attendants 
almost  impossible  that  he  did  not.  The  coloured 
man  who  had  long  lived  in  his  house  nursed  him 
faithfully.  His  children  were  much  with  him.  At 
times  his  disease  appeared  so  violent  that  it  seemed 
impossible  that  he  could  survive.  But  he  rallied 
again.  He  insisted  that  morning  and  evening  wor- 
ship should  be  performed  in  his  chamber,  and 
readily  detected  the  absence  of  any  of  his  servants. 
Worship  was  ordinarily  performed  by  one  of  his 
sons.  If  at  any  time  their  own  duties  compelled 
them  to  be  absent,  he  would  be  propped  up  in  his 
bed,  and  utter  his  usual  fervent  prayers. 

Disease  obscured  his  mind,  and  caused  confusion 
and  wandering.  But  on  the  subject  of  religion,  or 
any  exposition  of  the  Scripture,  he  was  clear  as 
ever.  Not  one  syllable  is  he  remembered  to  have 
uttered  which  betrayed  confusion,  where  the  interests 
of  Christ's  kingdom  were  concerned.  When  any 
of  his  grandchildren  approached  him  who  were 
not  in  communion  with  the  church,  he  faithfully 
conversed  with  them — bade  them  meet  him  at  the 
judgment-seat,  on  the  right  hand.  He  was  remark- 
ably earnest  in  his  appeals,  and  enforced  them  with 
urgency.  The  ruling  passion  was  strong  in  death. 
When  he  was  told  of  the  occurent  revivals  of  the  noon- 


260  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

day  meetings  for  prayer,  and  of  the  general  interest 
manifested  everywhere  in  religion,  his  countenance 
beamed,  and  he  said  there  were  more  glorious  days 
at  hand,  and  that  the  Kedeemer's  kingdom  would  be 
ushered  in  by  such  displays  of  grace.  Towards  the 
close,  he  said  to  his  eldest  son :  "I  am  tired  of  eat- 
ing— I  want  to  go  home !"  But  still  the  strong  man 
of  his  constitution  struggled  with  disease;  pin  after 
pin  seemed  loosening  in  the  tabernacle;  symptom 
after  symptom  developed  unfavourably,  but  his 
frame  did  not  succumb.  The  nature  of  his  disease 
was  such  as  to  prevent  such  exhibitions  as  are 
often  seen  in  God's  dying  children.  This  was  the  ap- 
pointment of  God,  and  a  life  of  such  eminent  holiness 
did  not  require  any  other  illustration  of  the  grace  of 
God.  At  the  close  of  June,  he  became  unconscious, 
and  lay  for  two  or  three  days  without  any  commu- 
nion with  the  outer  world.  His  children  were  with 
him,  hourly  waiting  for  his  departure,  and  at  last,  on 
Sabbath,  June  27th,  just  before  the  setting  of  the 
sun,  he  entered  on  his  eternal  Sabbath,  and  doubt- 
less, as  a  good  and  faithful  servant,  was  received  by 
his  Lord,  whom  he  had  served  earnestly,  in  as  far  as 
the  imperfection  which  cleaves  to  our  nature  per- 
mitted. 

His  funeral  was  attended  in  the  First  Presbyterian 
church,  when  the  Eev.  Dr.  Hodge,  who  had  been  re- 
ceived by  him,  in  the  dew  of  his  own  youth,  into  the 
communion  of  the  church,  preached  his  funeral  ser- 
mon, full  of  affection,  and  replete  with  memorials  of 
his   deceased   and   venerable  friend.      Devout   men 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  261 

carried  him  to  his  tomb — Christian  ministers  who 
had  come  at  the  summons,  from  their  homes,  to  see 
the  last  of  one  whom  they  venerated  when  living, 
and  mourned  when  removed.  After  the  death  of  his 
wife,  he  had  built  for  himself  a  family  tomb,  and 
was  anxious  that  it  should  be  of  capacity  sufficient 
to  accommodate  the  remains  of  his  family,  and  of 
his  children  to  the  fourth  generation.  He  seemed 
to  take  pleasure  in  the  thought  that  their  dust  should 
repose  together  till  the  morning  of  the  resurrection, 
and  rise,  he  trusted,  an  unbroken  family,  to  the 
right  hand  of  his  Saviour. 


CHAPTER  YIII. 

Coucludiug  Summary. 

OuK  object  in  this  narrative  was  to  give  a  view, 
as  far  as  was  possible,  of  the  inner  life  of  Dr.  Jane- 
way.  There  were  historic  connections  in  which  he 
might  have  been  placed,  arising  from  his  several 
positions  in  the  church.  This  would  have  enlarged 
this  volume  beyond  our  intentions.  We  have 
omitted  extracts  from  his  writings;  charges  de- 
livered at  his  inauguration,  addresses  of  his  own 
22-^ 


262  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

when  entering  on  tlie  important  offices  lie  occupied. 
It  was  to  be  the  testimonial  of  a  man  full  of  faith,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost — a  monument  to  the  grace  of 
God  which  was  in  him,  and  the  workings  of  that 
grace  in  the  development  of  his  Christian  life.  A 
formal  delineation  of  his  character  is  less  required ; 
yet  are  there  some  points  which  require  a  concluding 
notice.  In  doing  this  we  are  fully  aware  of  the 
difficulty  arising  from  filial  partiality.  Those  who 
may  be  interested  in  these  pages,  knew  him,  if  they 
had  personal  acquaintance  at  all,  in  his  years  of  de- 
cline. Those  who  knew  him  in  early  life  and  in  his 
mature  manhood,  preceeded  him  to  the  world  of 
spirits.  The  memorials  which  remain,  and  the  re- 
membered testimony  of  those  who  knew  him  in 
earlier  life,  tell  us  that  he  possessed  a  high  degree  of 
manly  beauty — a  complexion  fair  and  ruddy,  and  a 
symmetry  of  form  unusual  in  a  student.  The  weight 
of  years  did  not  bow  his  form — he  was  erect  beyond 
the  age  of  four-score  years.  His  head  was  finely 
formed,  with  a  large  fair  forehead  indicating  the 
character  of  his  intellect.  What  struck  beholders 
universally  was  his  serene  and  benevolent  counte- 
nance. The  law  of  kindness  was  written  there.  It 
won  upon  all  classes,  and  especially  upon  the 
young. 

His  health  was  seriously  threatened  in  his  early 
ministry,  arising  from  too  intense  study  in  the  years 
of  his  preparation.  The  part  affected  was  his  heart, 
and  as  his  mother  was  long  sick  with  pulmonary 
disease,  he  naturally  supposed  that  he  would  become 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  263 

a  victim  to  tlie  same.  But  habits  of  systematic 
exercise,  conjoined  with  great  temperance;  under 
the  blessing  of  God,  so  repaired  his  naturally  vigor- 
ous constitution,  that  he  performed  labour  above  the 
average  of  his  cotemporaries.  He  never  knew  what 
the  plague  of  a  student's  life,  dyspepsia,  was.  His 
health  was  for  many  years  robust.  Years  passed 
without  detaining  him  on  account  of  sickness  from 
the  pulpit ;  and  while  he  had  two  severe  attacks  of 
sickness,  they  were  brief,  and  did  not  seem  to  impair 
his  robust,  ordinary  vigour.  He  was  as  conscien- 
tious in  protecting  his  health,  as  in  cultivating  the 
grace  of  God  which  was  in  him.  He*  believed  that 
under  God,  systematic  exercise  had  restored  his 
health,  and  he  persevered  in  the  use  of  these  means. 
His  temperance  was  note- worthy.  Years  in  advance 
of  the  temperance  movement  he  relinquished  the 
use  of  wine,  and  refused  to  furnish  it  to  his  guests. 
He  ate  sparingly,  and  simply  to  live.  He  never  ex- 
pressed any  gratification  in  the  food  placed  before 
him,  or  manifested  the  least  fondness  for  the  plea- 
sures of  the  table.  "  Let  your  moderation  be  known 
to  all  men,"  was  the  maxim  which  seemed  to  govern 
his  life. 

He  was  a  simple  and  plain  man  in  all  his  habits, 
utterly  free  from  all  affectation.  He  was  clear  and 
transparent,  acting  out  the  hidden  impulses  of  his 
nature.  He  was  reserved  in  his  communications. 
He  never  spoke  of  his  calls  and  invitations  to  im- 
portant places ;  a  stranger  would  never  have  known 
that  the  church  had  heaped  her  honours  on  his  head. 


264  LIFE   OF   DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

He  was  reserved  with  reference  to  his  pecuniary 
affairs,  and  wlien  compelled  to  mention  tliem  lie 
always  underrated  Ms  estate.  His  religious  exercises 
were  known  only  to  God.  He  had  no  inclination, 
if  he  had  the 'ability,  to  tell  about  them.  It  was  not 
reserve — it  was  not  bashfulness,  it  was  a  natural 
modesty  which  prevented  him  from  intruding  him- 
self upon  others.  If  honours  were  conferred  upon 
him  by  his  brethren,  he  received  them  meekfully  and 
thankfully.  He  never  took  the  highest  seats,  or  ap- 
peared prominent  on  public  occasions.  Among  his 
brethren  he  took  any  place  which  conveniently 
offered.  His  reputation  was  very  dear  to  him,  but 
the  praise  of  men  he  never  coveted.  No  one 
accused  him  of  vanity  or  pride.  The  increase  of  his 
fortune  made  no  difference ;  his  style  of  living  was 
as  plain  as  before.  While  utterly  free  from  penu- 
riousness,  he  was  conscientious  in  his  expenses  that 
he  might  have  more  for  charity. 

His  purity  of  life  and  conversation  was  remark- 
able. He  never  was  known  to  indulge  in  inuendo, 
or  relate  unseemly  anecdotes.  Not  a  word  fell  from 
his  lips  which  the  purest  virgin  might  not  have  ut- 
tered. If  others  indulged  in  his  presence,  he  frowned 
upon  it,  or  remained  silent;  showing,  by  his  manner, 
that  it  displeased  and  hurt  him.  The  genial  nature 
of  his  disposition  always  appeared.  He  was  kind 
and  gentle  to  all;  his  benevolence  overflowed;  he 
sought  the  comfort  and  ease  of  all  about  him.  Those 
who  recall  the  uniform  benignity  of  his  countenance, 
will  readily  believe  that  the  law  of  kindness  ruled 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY.  265 

in  his  heart.  His  was  true  Christian  politeness — the 
courtesy  of  the  gospel.  Free  from  all  affectation, 
his  easy  manners  and  polished  address  made  him  ac- 
ceptable in  all  companies.  This  was  not  so  much  the 
result  of  special  training,  as  the  real  kindliness  of 
his  nature,  sanctified  and  refined  by  grace.  He  had 
great  regard  to  the  feelings  of  others,  and  never 
willingly  wounded  them.  In  mixed  companies,  he 
sustained  his  part  in  conversation,  though  it  could 
not  be  said  that  he  was  a  great  talker.  He  rather 
listened  than  led :  he  was  ever  a  learner  at  the  lips 
of  others. 

We  have  seen  somewhat  his  habits  of  study.  From 
his  college  days  to  the  end  of  his  long  life  he  was  a 
student — much  familiar  with  his  books,  and  most  at 
home  in  his  study.  Except  the  hours  redeemed  for 
devotion  and  exercise,  or  the  demands  of  his  congre- 
gation while  a  pastor,  the  rest  of  his  time  was  passed 
in  communion  with  his  books.  His  mind  was 
clear  and  perspicacious.  He  was  free  from  extrava- 
gances of  any  kind ;  he  never  pursued  novelties,  or 
was  led  off  by  glowing  speculations ;  he  looked  for 
truth  only.  The  reasoning,  rather  than  the  imagina- 
tive powers,  held  supremacy.  He  pursued  truth  in 
the  love  of  it.  His  library  was  large  and  well  chosen ; 
he  had  sufficient  variety  to  show  that  the  English 
classics  and  history  were  pursued  in  common  with 
his  great  studies.  His  taste  was  refined,  and  his  illus- 
trations were  apt  and  chaste.  He  was  slow  and  patient 
in  examining  a  subject,  and  came  to  his  conclusions 
with  deliberation.    This  made  him  a  safe  adviser,  and 


266  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

gave  him  influence  in  the  church  for  soundness  of 
judgment.  His  opinions  seldom  changed;  not  be- 
cause he  was  obstinate,  but  because  they  were  the 
fruit  of  deliberation  and  careful  examination.  When 
he  rose  in  the  church  courts,  which  he  was  not  for- 
ward to  do,  and  only  when  circumstances  seemed  to 
call,  his  clear  and  logical  statements,  and  his  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  constitution,  gave  his  opinions 
great  weight.  In  debate,  he  was  calm  and  collected, 
and  received  the  arguments  of  the  opposing  side  with 
dignity  and  composure,  even  when  they  were  urged 
with  intemperate  zeal.  His  habitual  self-control  gave 
him  great  advantage ;  and  though  his  conscientious 
attachment  to  truth  led  him  into  frequent  controver- 
sies, he  won  the  respect  and  regard  of  his  opponents. 
His  honesty  was  too  well  known  to  have  awakened 
against  him  the  suspicion  of  partisanship. 

His  great  study  was  Theology,  as  drawn  from  the 
Scriptures.  Systematic  divinity  he  loved  from  choice 
and  conscience.  To  walk  in  the  old  paths,  and  imi- 
tate worthies  of  a  past  generation  had  no  terrors  for 
him.  The  old  was  to  him  better  than  the  new.  His 
early  ministry  was  passed  in  the  period  when  specu- 
lations in  theology  attracted  attention.  He  was  never 
won  by  them.  He  deemed  those  speculations  incon- 
sistent with  that  cordial  subscription  to  the  Confession 
of  Faith,  which,  in  the  honesty  of  his  soul,  he  believed 
was  the  duty  of  every  Presbyterian  minister.  The  sys- 
tem he  received  and  honestly  defended,  was  the  one 
in  our  Confession.  His  religious  experience  made 
him  a  Calvinist.     He  had  the  most  profound  rever- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  267 

ence  for  the  Divine  sovereignty.  This  was  the  centre 
of  his  system.  The  joy  of  his  soul  was,  that  the  Lord 
reigneth.  It  is  true,  he  was  trained  in  it — it  was  the 
faith  of  his  fathers — it  was  the  system  taught  bj  Dr. 
Livingston,  whom  he  reverenced  above  all  men.  But 
he  was  too  honest — too  independent — to  have  clung 
to  it,  had  he  doubted.  But  he  did  not :  it  was  in- 
wrapped  in  his  being;  it  was  part  and  parcel  of  his 
religious  experience.  He  never  swerved ;  his  preach- 
ing was  beautifully  consistent,  and  in  the  full  faith  of 
what  he  preached,  he  died. 

The  record  of  his  life  shows  that  his  diligence  Avas 
unwearied  to  the  end  of  his  days.  His  happiness 
was  in  his  work.  No  one  ever  found  him  idle  or 
lounging.  From  morning  till  night,  year  after  year, 
he  was  urs^inoj  on  his  task.  Those  who  knew  him 
marvelled  how  his  strength  could  hold  out,  and  how, 
at  a  period  beyond  fourscore,  he  could  be  publishing 
freshly  written  books.  When  urged  to  spare  himself, 
he  smiled,  and  said  it  did  not  injure  him.  He  never 
had  his  stated  vacations  when  burdened  with  his 
large  parochial  charge.  His  journeys  were  from 
duty,  and  not  for  pleasure.  He  paid  periodical  visits 
to  his  father,  and  pursued  journeys  for  the  church; 
but  summer  tours  and  pleasure  jaunts  were  not  his 
habit.  When  impelled  by  duty  to  leave  home,  he 
was  glad  to  hurry  back.  During  a  large  part  of  his 
pastorate  in  Philadelphia,  he  had  the  use  of  a  country 
residence,  some  five  miles  distant,  by  the  kindness  of 
his  mother-in-law.  There  his  family  spent  their 
summer;  but  he  was  accustomed  to  ride  every  morn- 


268  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

ing  to  the  city,  to  be  amid  his  books,  and  ready  for 
the  calls  of  his  people.  This  indulgence  he  valued 
chiefly  on  account  of  his  family.  While  he  was  as 
much  alive  as  any  man  to  the  beauties  of  nature, 
and  could  enjoy  fine  prospects,  his  duty  was  his 
pleasure ;  and  it  seemed  as  if  he  could  not  turn  aside 
for  any  gratification,  however  innocent.  Though  so 
habitually  busy,  he  was  never  in  a  hurry ;  no  bustle 
surrounded  him.  His  wonderfully  systematic  habits 
enabled  him  to  escape  from  all  that  approached  con- 
fusion. He  had  an  hour  for  everything,  and  he  turned 
with  mechanical  exactness  from  one  duty  to  another. 
This  made  him  punctual.  If  he  had  occasion  to 
travel  from  his  residence,  in  the  cars,  he  was  there  at 
the  moment,  never  too  late,  and  yet  never  waiting 
even  five  minutes  for  the  time  of  starting.  It  had 
been  the  habit  of  his  life  to  economize  moments. 

His  style  of  preaching  was  calm  and  animated. 
He  never  ranted,  and  was  never  boisterous.  Strong, 
sound  sense,  and  lucid  exhibitions  of  truth,  were  the 
prevailing  character  of  his  sermons.  His  divisions 
of  his  text  were  clear — not  forced  or  strained.  To 
exhibit  the  mind  of  the  Spirit  in  the  passage  chosen 
was  his  chief  purpose.  His  style  was  clear,  and  suf- 
ficiently ornate  for  judicious  hearers.  He  was  uni- 
formly solemn.  Preaching  was  to  him  a  high  spiritual 
function.  He  believed  in  special  aids  and  illumina- 
tions in  the  delivery  of  his  message.  He  proceeded 
from  his  closet  direct  to  the  pulpit,  and  always  re- 
turned to  it  when  coming  back  from  delivering  his 
discourses.     It  is  believed  that  his  retirement  there 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  269 

was  for  prayer.     His  early  preparations  were  care- 
fully conducted.     For  many  years,  while  pastor  of 
Arcli  Street  Cliurch,  lie  seldom  wrote  at  length;  but 
lie  meditated,  closely,  and   studied  bard.     The  me- 
chanical process  of  writing  was  all  he  saved.     Year 
after  year  he  sustained  himself,  in  the  midst  of  that 
large  congregation,  and,  at  the  time,  more  frequented 
by  strangers  than  any  other  in  the  city.     His  after- 
noon audiences  were  unusually  large  for  a  city  con- 
gregation.     His   preaching   satisfied   and   attracted 
them.     In  a  letter  he  received  two  years  before  his 
death,  from  a  late  distinguished  Judge  in  New  Jersey, 
and  found  among  his  papers,  occurs  this  sentence: 
''In  the  winter  of  1811-12,  I  boarded  in  the  family 
of  Isaac  Snowden,  and  enjoyed  the  benefits  of  your 
faithful  teachings,  which  I  reckon  among  the  many 
mercies  of  my  life."     In  a  letter  from  an  excellent 
clergyman  in  our  church,  received  since   Dr.  Jane- 
way's  death,  by  the  writer,  we  find  among  other  and 
warm  expressions  of  love  and  reverence,  this  para- 
graph:  ''From  my  childhood,  your  dear  father  was 
the  pastor  of  our  family,  and  my  earliest  recollections 
are  associated  with  him,  as  he  appeared  in  the  pulpit, 
the  catechetical  class,  the  chamber  of  sickness,  and 
the  other  engagements  of  his  ministerial  and  pastoral 
life."     He  speaks  earnestly  of  his  kindness  to  him  in 
his  early  religious  experience,  and  that  he  furnished, 
from  his  own  funds,  the  aid  which  was  needful  to 
bring  this  brother  into  the  ministry.     He  preached 
his  ordination  sermon,  and  when  this  grateful  man 
attempted  to  thank  him  for  his  unabated  kindness, 
23 


270  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

Dr.  Janeway  stopped  him^  and  said :  . "  I  shall  be 
abundantly  repaid,  if  yon  are  nsefnl  in  tbe  ministry." 
After  all,  the  best  evidence  of  the  character  and  in- 
fluence of  a  man's  preaching,  is  in  the  character  of 
his  hearers.  Those  who  remember  Arch  Street 
Church,  in  its  palmy  days,  filled  to  its  utmost  and 
large  capacity,  with  a  considerable  number  of  names 
on  file,  in  their  applications  for  pews,  and  waiting  for 
their  chances,  will  find  abundant  proof  of  the  power 
of  his  ministry. 

His  subjects  were  chiefly  the  promises  and  conso- 
lations of  the  gospel.    Though  he  shunned  not  to  de- 
clare the  whole  counsel  of  God,  he  did  not  habitually 
preach  ''the  terror  of  the  Lord."     His  own  religious 
habits  led  him  to  preach  charity,  and  the  good  news 
of  salvation.     He  did  not  indulge  much  in  the  horta- 
tory style ;  he  presented  doctrinal  truth,  and  deduced 
therefrom   practical   enforcements.      Deeply  experi- 
enced himself,  in  the  workings  of  his  own  heart,  he 
was  eminently  fitted  to  edify  believers — to  cheer  and 
encourage  them  in  their  walk  to  the  'New  Jerusalem. 
His  preaching  was  useful:  he  sought  results  from  the 
dispensation  of  truth.     There  was  a  steady  increase 
in  the  membership  of  the  church ;  and  though  there 
was  at  no  time  so  great  a  work  as  had  appeared  in 
other  parts  of  the  vineyard,  yet  there  were  periods 
when  the  accessions  were  large.     A  communion  sea- 
son seldom  offered  without  making  some  additions ; 
and  the  members  wore  well.     The  discipline  of  the 
church  was  not  often  invoked  against  those  who, 
hurried  into  the  church,  had  mistaken  their  feelings. 


LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  JANEWAY.  271 

The  admissions  were  deliberate.  The  pastor  or  elders 
were  ordinarily  acquainted  with  the  habits  and  exer- 
cises of  the  candidates,  and  the  precautions  against 
hasty  admissions  were  as  great  as  the  present  imper- 
fect state  of  the  church  permitted.  WJien  he  preached 
in  other  pulpits,  he  left  an  impression,  and  the  good 
he  did  must  be  left  for  the  disclosures  of  the  judg- 
ment. 

The  records  from  which  we  have  made  such  fre- 
quent quotations  will  disclose  the  character  of  his 
religion.  We  apprehend  all  will  concur  in  the  belief 
that  he  was  eminently  sanctified.  Into  those  secrets 
which  he  so  modestly  concealed,  we  may  not  rashly 
intrude.  He  was  reserved  and  silent  on  the  subject 
of  his  personal  experiences.  At  stated  times,  three 
times  a  day,  he  entered  into  his  closet,  and  shut  the 
door ;  but  in  what  manner  he  conducted  his  private 
devotions,  no  mortal  knew.  That  he  devoutly  read 
the  Scriptures,  we  believe,  chiefly  in  the  words  the 
Holy  Ghost  speaketh.  Thi^t  he  meditated  much,  we 
gather  from  his  narrative.  Truth  was  dear  to  him — 
the  truth  was  in  order  to  godliness.  Doctrine  and 
experience  were  to  his  mind  inseparable.  He  set 
apart  days  of  fasting  and  prayer,  and  his  abstinence 
at  those  times  was  rigorous  and  entire. 

He  was  prudent — perhaps,  in  a  measure,  constitu- 
tionally, but  chiefly  as  part  of  his  religious  life.  In 
the  defence  of  truth  he  was  bold.  He  had  much  of 
physical  courage;  he  did  not  fear  the  face  of  man, 
and  hardly  knew  what  it  was,  in  times  of  danger,  to 
have  nervous  apprehensions.     He  was  bold  in  de- 


272  LIFE  OF  DK.  J.  J.  J  ANEW  AY. 

fending  truth  when  it  was  assailed;  but  his  most 
determined  opponents  gave  him  credit  for  candour 
and  honesty  of  purpose.  He  never  exaggerated  a 
statement — it  was  the  truth,  and  the  whole  truth. 
He  was  not  censorious;  he  never  spoke  evil  of  any 
being.  Those  who  reviled  him,  and  sought  to  injure 
him,  he  treated  kindly  in  public,  and,  it  is  believed, 
prayed  for  them  in  private.  A  long  life  passed,  free 
from  strife.  He  had  controversies,  written  and  oral, 
but  they  were  conducted  with  so  much  candour  and 
Christian  courtesy,  that  it  is  not  known  that  he  made 
any  enemies.  Few  men  have  been  so  generally 
esteemed,  and  in  their  circles  so  truly  beloved. 

His  private  writings  show,  that  he  had  to  struggle 
much  with  pride:  he  deemed  it  his  easily  besetting 
sin.  The  public  never  suspected  its  existence.  He 
appeared  eminently  meek  and  humble ;  but  it  was, 
we  gather,  the  struggle  of  his  soul  to  cultivaie  this 
grace.  He  knew,  too,  the  burdens  of  indwelling  sin, 
but  he  was  eminently  fcee  from  doubts  of  his  per- 
sonal acceptance.  It  is  believed  that,  for  the  greater 
part  of  his  Christian  life,  his  mind  was  in  a  state  of 
confirmed  assurance.  He  set  much  value  on  personal 
communion  with  the  Kedeemer,  as  the  heart  of  reli- 
gion and  happiness.  His  secret  enjoyments  before 
God  are  believed  to  have  been  great.  He  walked 
with  God. 

His  life  revealed  the  character  of  his  piety.  It  was 
seldom  doubted.  His  whole  life,  for  more  than  sixty 
years,  was  spent  in  efforts  to  do  good,  by  every  means 
in  his  power.      His  time,  strength,  talents,  acquire- 


LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANE  WAY.  273 

merits,  were  consecrated  to  the  service  of  liis  Lord. 
He  laboured  and  prayed  for  the  conversion  of  all 
around  him ;  that  his  relatives  should  come  to  Christ 
was  his  earnest  desire.  Every  plan  and  scheme  for 
doing  good  was  hailed  by  him.  lie  was  present  at 
the  birth  of  the  great  benevolent  enterprises  of  the 
day.  He  hailed  their  advent,  and  over  their  expan- 
sion he  greatly  rejoiced.  His  time  he  freely  gave, 
and  his  money  too. 

He  gave  by  rule,  and  from  love  to  the  cause.  In 
his  earliest  Christian  life,  he  gave  to  charitable  pur- 
poses the  tenth  of  all  he  had.  This  he  never  omitted. 
Increasing  expenses  in  his  family  were  not  permitted 
to  divert  any  of  the  consecrated  funds  from  the  Lord's 
treasury.  On  the  occasion  of  some  enlargement — 
some  signal  mercy — he  added  an  extra  allowance,  as 
the  offering  of  a  sinner's  gratitude  for  a  Saviour's 
love.  The  poor  in  Philadelphia  loved  him;  the 
street-beggar  was  not  rudely  repulsed.  He  gave 
them  religious  advice,  told  them  of  their  soul's  dan- 
ger, and  then  gave  them  aid  for  the  body.  For  many 
years  before  his  decease,  he  gave,  it  is  believed,  one- 
fifth  of  his  income.  ISTo  man  could  give  more  cheer- 
fully— it  was  to  his  Master.  Many  young  men  he 
quietly  aided  in  their  preparation  for  the  holy  minis- 
try. Of  this  he  never  spake ;  it  is  known  from  other 
sources  than  from  his  lips.  He  esteemed  himself  a 
steward  for  God.  He  left  nothing  in  posthumous 
benevolence.  He  was  often  heard  to  say,  a  man 
should  give  all  in  his  lifetime.  When  called  away, 
his  property  was  his  children's,  and  new  channels 
23^ 


274  LIFE  OF  DR.  J.  J.  JANEWAY. 

were  opened,  therefore,   in  tlie  providence  of  God, 
and  new  stewards  were  entrusted  with  tlie  duty. 

He  sought  the  Lord  with  all  his  heart,  and  walked 
in  his  fear  all  his  life  long.  His  testimony  is  sealed 
to  the  great  day  of  God.  He  often  assures  his  heart, 
in  his  journal,  that  it  was  a  small  thing  to  be  judged 
by  man's  judgment.  He  that  judged  him,  was  the 
Lord.  And  though  he  had  the  imperfections  of  our 
fallen  nature,  and  wept  in  secret  over  them,  yet  may 
we  apply  to  him  the  words  of  inspiration:  ''For  he 
was  a  gopd  man,  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of 
faith."  ''Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  ik  the 
Lord,  from  heis^ceforth  :  yea,  s^aith  the  Spirit, 
that  they  may  rest  from  their  labours;  and 
their  works  do  follow  them." 


APPENDIX. 


FUNERAL  SERMOX. 

By  the  Rev.  Charles  Hodge,  D.  D. 

RECOLLECTIONS  OF  Dr.   JANEWAY. 
By  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Murray,  D.  D. 

RECOLLECTIONS  OF  Dr.    JANEWAY. 
By  the  Rev.  W.  M.  Engles,  D.  D. 


FUNERAL  SERMON, 

BY   THE   KEY.  CHAELES   HODGE,  D.  D. 


2  Timothy,  iv.  7-8. 


Friends  and  Brethren:— We  have  assembled 
to  pay  our  last  tribute  of  respect  to  a  venerable  ser- 
vant of  God.  After  a  life  devoted  with  singular 
simplicity  of  purpose  to  the  service  of  his  Master, 
he  descends  to  the  grave  with  a  reputation  without  a 
blot,  followed  by  the  benedictions  of  hundreds,  and 
by  the  respectful  affection  of  thousands.  A  long, 
prosperous,  happy  and  useful  life,  has  been  crowned 
with  a  truly  Christian  death.  ''  Blessed  are  the  dead 
who  die  in  the  Lord.  Let  me  die  the  death  of  the 
righteous  and  let  my  last  end  be  like  his." 

Eev.  Jacob  J.  Janeway  was  born  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  Kov.  1774.  He  pursued  his  academical 
studies  in  Columbia  College,  and  graduated  with 
distinguished  honour  in  that  institution.  His  theolo- 
gical education  was  conducted  under  the  late  vener- 
able Dr.  Livingston,  so  long  the  ornament  of  the 
Dutch  Church  in  America.  He  was  ordained  in  1799, 
to  the  sacred  ministry,  and  installed  as  an  associate 


278  FUNERAL   SERMON 

pastor  witli  the  Rev.  Aslibel  Green,  D.  D.,  over  the 
Second  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia.  In 
1818,  he  was  chosen  Moderator  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, and  for  many  years  acted  first  as  Chairman 
of  the  Committee. of  Missions,  and  afterwards  as  Pre- 
sident of  the  Board  of  Missions,  an  ofl&ce  which  he 
filled  at  the  time  of  his  death.  In  1813,  he  was 
elected  a  Director  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at 
Princeton,  an  institution  in  the  origin  of  which  he 
took  an  active  part,  and  continued  through  life  on» 
of  its  most  faithful  and  important  friends.  He  was 
elected  Yice-President  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  and 
after  the  death  of  Dr.  Green,  was  made  President  of 
the  Board.  He  was  elected  a  Trustee  of  the  College 
of  New  Jersey,  at  Princeton,  in  1813,  and  at  different 
times  served  in  that  capacity  thirty-three  years. 
He  continued  to  serve  as  Pastor  of  the  Second  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  Philadelphia  until  1828,  when 
he  was  chosen  by  the  General  Assembly  to  fill  the 
Chair  of  Didactic  Theology  in  the  Western  Theolo- 
gical Seminary  at  Allegheny,  Pennsylvania.  After 
resigning  that  position  he  was  called  to  the  Pastoral 
of&ce  of  the  First  Dutch  Reformed  Church  in  this  city, 
in  1830,  and  in  1833  was  made  Vice-President  of 
Rutgers  College.  After  his  resignation  of  that  office, 
he  devoted  his  time  to  the  general  service  of  the 
Church,  labouring  assiduously  in  the  Boards  of 
Foreign  and  Domestic  Missions,  and  in  the  oversight 
of  our  Theological  and  Collegiate  Institutions,  and 
in  the  use  of  his  pen  as  long  as  his  strength  lasted. 
The  numerous  offices  to  which  ho  was  elected  by  the 


BY  THE  REV.  CHARLES  HODGE,  D.  D.     279 

choice  of  his  brethren,  and  his  long  continnaiice  in 
those  offices,  are  proofs  of  the  high  estimation  in 
which  he  was  held.  These  were  chaplets  placed  on 
his  brow  by  those  who  knew  him  best,  and  they  were 
sustained  there  by  the  reverent  hand  of  affection,  even 
after  he  had  become,  from  the  infirmities  of  age,  too 
feeble  to  bear  their  weight.  Well  may  his  children 
and  friends  contemplate  such  a  life  as  this  with  tender 
reverence,  and  with  sincere  gratitude  to  God.  As 
they  gather  round  his  tomb,  the  voice  which  each 
hears  in  his  own  heart,  Well  done  good  and  faithful 
servant,  is  only  the  feeble  echo  of  that  plaudit  with 
which  his  purified  spirit  has  been  already  introduced 
into  the  joys  of  the  Lord. 

The  extensive  and  long  continued  influence  exer- 
cised by  our  venerated  father,  the  numerous  and  im- 
portant offices  which  he  filled,  are  sufficient  evidence 
of  the  estimate  placed  on  his  abilities  and  learning 
by  those  with  whom  he  acted.     He  was  eminently  a 
wise  man.     A  man  whose  judgments  were  clear  and 
decided,  and  whose   advice   always   carried  with  it 
peculiar  weight.    His  remarkable  placidity  of  temper, 
his  amiable  and  courteous  manners,  his  uniform  re- 
gard for  the  feelings  of  others,   carried  him   even 
through  the   severest  conflicts  without  a  scar.     So 
far  as  we  know,  he  never  gave  offence  or  made  an 
enemy.     His  integrity  was  unimpeachable.     He  was 
truthful,  frank,  and  honest.     Always   open  in  the 
expression  of  his  convictions,  no  man  was  ever  in 
doubt  where  he  stood,  or  which  side  he  occupied  on 
any  question  of  doctrine  or  policy.     He  was  utterly 


280  FUNERAL   SERMON 

incapable  of  cliicanery  or  manoeuvrmg.  He  never 
attempted  to  attain  his  objects  by  any  nnderliand 
measures.  The  end  and  the  means  were  always 
openly  announced  and  publicly  avowed.  As  a 
preacher,  Dr.  Janeway  was  instructive,  earnest,  and 
faithful.  As  a  pastor,  he  was  indefatigable  in  his 
attention  to  the  young,  the  sick,  the  afflicted  and  the 
inquiring.  His  zeal  for  sound  doctrine  was  one  of 
the  most  prominent  traits  of  his  character,  and  had 
much  to  do  in  determining  the  whole  course  of  his 
life.  His  zeal  was  not  unenlightened  bigotry,  but 
arose  from  the  clear  perception  of  the  importance  of 
truth  to  holiness.  He  was  satisfied  that  the  salvation 
of  men  and  the  glory  of  God  were  dependent  on  the 
preservation  of  the  gospel  in  its  purity.  He  was 
therefore  always  on  the  alert,  always  among  the  fore- 
most in  opposing  every  form  of  error.  For  this 
fidelity  he  is  to  be  had  in  grateful  remembrance.  A 
more  consistent  man  is  not  to  be  found  in  our  long 
catalogue  of  ministers.  Consistent  not  only  in  the 
sense  of  being  constant  in  his  opinions,  but  in  the 
correspondence  of  his  deportment  with  his  professions 
and  with  his  social  position  and  official  station. 
There  was  nothing  worldly  in  his  spirit,  or  ostenta- 
tious in  his  mode  of  living.  He  was  an  exemplary 
Christian  gentleman.  God  preserved  him  from  those 
cancers  of  the  soul,  covetousness  and  avarice,  which 
often  eat  out  the  life  even  of  men  professing  godli- 
ness. He  was  a  large  and  generous  giver.  It  is  be- 
lieved that  he  regularly  gave  away  the  one-fifth  of 
his  income.     All  our  benevolent  operations  can  bear 


BY  THE   REV.  CHARLES  HODGE,  D.  D.  281 

witness  to  the  liberality  and  constancy  of  his  bene- 
factions. All  that  we  have  said,  however,  might  be 
true;  our  revered  father  might  have  been  thus 
amiable  and  upright  as  a  man,  thus  consistent  and 
irreproachable  in  his  life,  thus  zealous  for  the  truth, 
and  thus  generous  in  his  benefactions,  and  yet  come 
far  short  of  what  he  really  was.  That  which  was 
the  groundwork  of  his  character,  that  which  elevated 
his  virtues  into  graces,  was  his  deep,  imafiected  piety, 
not  the  religion  of  nature,  not  merely  devout  feel- 
ings excited  by  a  consideration  of  the  greatness  and 
goodness  of  God,  which  so  many  mistake  for  Chris- 
tian experience,  but  that  love  of  God  which  flows 
from  the  apprehension  of  his  glory  in  the  person  of 
his  Son,  and  from  the  assurance  of  his  love  as  mani- 
fested in  Christ  to  the  guilty  and  the  polluted.  Dr. 
Janeway  was  not  only  a  religious  man,  but  a  Chris- 
tian, a  penitent  believer  in  Christ,  living  in  humble 
fellowship  with  God  and  with  his  Son  our  Saviour; 
living  therefore  not  for  himself  but  for  Him  who 
died  for  him  and  rose  again. 

He  fought  a  good  fight,  he  kept  the  faith,  and 
henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  him  a  crown  of  right- 
eousness, which  the  Lord  the  righteous  Judge  shall 
give  him  at  that  day. 

Christian  brethren,  how  can  we  better  employ  the 
few  moments  which  we  are  permitted  to  spend 
around  the  cof&n  of  this  faithful  soldier  of  Christ, 
than  in  meditating  on  the  nature  and  reward  of  that 
conflict  which  he  so  long  sustained,  and  which,  by 
the  grace  of  God,  he  brought  to  so  joyful  an  issue? 
24 


282  FUNERAL   SERMON 

This  is  a  subject  in  whicli  we  are  all  interested. 
We  are  not  tlie  mere  spectators  of  tMs  conflict.  We 
are  all  combatants.  We  were  born  on  the  field  of 
battle.  By  the  necessity  of  the  case  we  belong  to 
one  or  to  the  other  of  the  contending  hosts.  In  this 
warfare  there  can  be  no  neutrality.  In  the  language 
of  the  Apocalypse  there  is  war  in  heaven.  Michael 
and  his  angels  fight  against  Satan  and  his  angels. 
This  war  extends  to  our  earth.  It  is  the  conflict  be- 
tween good  and  evil,  between  light  and  darkness, 
between  truth  and  error,  between  Christ  and  Belial. 
In  this  conflict  we  are  all  engaged.  No  man  is  neu- 
tral— every  one  belongs  to  one  or  the  other  of  these 
conflicting  armies.  He  that  is  not  for  me  is  against  me. 
We  are  either  the  followers  of  Satan  engaged  con- 
sciously or  unconsciously  in  fighting  in  his  ranks 
and  promoting  his  kingdom,  or  we  are  the  followers 
of  Christ,  warring  a  good  warfare,  and  enduring 
hardness  for  his  sake.  There  is  this  important  dif- 
ference between  these  two  cases.  Thousands  are  the 
soldiers  of  Satan  without  knowing  or  intending  it; 
whereas  no  man  is  a  soldier  of  Christ  who  does  not 
consciously  and  voluntarily  enlist  in  his  service  and 
array  himself  on  his  side.  The  reason  of  this  dif- 
ference lies  in  the  nature  of  the  conflict.  It  is  not 
merely  a  struggle  between  truth  and  error,  between 
light  and  darkness,  between  good  and  evil,  between 
the  things  seen  and  the  things  unseen ;  it  is  all  this, 
but  it  has  a  higher  character.  It  is  a  personal  con- 
flict. It  is  a  conflict  between  God  and  Satan,  be- 
tween Christ  and  Belial.     This  is  the  light  in  which 


BY  THE  EEV.  CHARLES  HODGE,  D.  D.     283 

it  is  always  presented  in  tlie  Bible,  and  tliat  not 
merely  in  the  way  of  allegory.  Satan  is  no  more  a 
personification  of  evil,  than  God  or  Christ  is  a  per- 
sonification of  good.  As  Christ  is  a  real  person  with 
whom  we  can  and  do  sustain  personal  relations,  so 
also  is  Satan.  He  is  the  god  of  this  world.  He  is 
the  ruler  of  the  spirits  of  darkness,  the  prince  of  the 
powers  of  the  air.  He  is  an  intelligent  personal 
agent  who  musters  and  controls  all  evil  spirits  and 
evil  men,  and  directs  all  their  energies  to  counteract 
the  purposes  of  God  and  to  resist  the  progress  of 
the  Eedeemer's  kingdom.  We  cannot  therefore  be 
evil  without  being  his  servants.  We  cannot  in  any 
way  promote  either  sin  or  error  without  advancing 
his  cause  and  furthering  his  aims.  We  cannot  refuse 
to  serve  God  without  thereby  serving  Satan.  It 
matters  not  what  our  intentions  may  be.  The  man 
who  takes  poison  destroys  himself,  whether  he  in- 
tends it  or  not.  The  man  who  extinguishes  the 
light,  produces  darkness,  whatever  his  purpose  may 
be,  so  the  man  who  opposes  truth  or  holiness 
serves  Satan,  although  Satan  may  never  enter  his 
thoughts.  Hence  the  Bible  represents  idolatry  as 
the  worship  of  devils;  all  sin  as  obedience  to  the 
prince  of  darkness,  and  all  unrenewed  men  as  his 
willing  subjects.  It  is  on  the  same  principle  that 
the  Scriptures  often  speak  of  wicked  men  as  serving 
God  when  they  accomplish  his  purposes.  ''O  As- 
syrian, the  rod  of  mine  anger,  and  the  staff  in  their 
hand  is  mine  indignation.  I  will  send  him  against 
an  hypocritical  nation,  and  against  the  people  of  my 


284l  funeral  sermox 

wrath  will  I  give  him  a  charge.  .  .  .  Howbeit  he 
meaneth  not  so,  neither  doth  his  heart  think  so." 
The  king  of  Assyria  was  a  servant  of  God's  wrath 
against  his  people,  as  submissive  to  his  control,  says 
the  prophet,  as  an  axe  in  the  hands  of  him  that 
heweth  therewith,  and  yet  entirely  nnconscious  of 
the  power  which  controlled  him,  and  without  the 
least  intention  of  accomplishing  the  Divine  purposes. 
It  is  not  necessary  therefore  that  men  should  know 
that  they  are  the  servants  of  Satan.  It  is  not  neces- 
sary that  they  should  intend  to  do  his  will,  in  order 
to  their  being  really  and  truly  his  followers,  subject 
to  his  control  and  accomplishing  his  purposes.  They 
are  led  captive  by  him  at  his  will,  while  they  imagine 
themselves  to  be  absolutely  independent,  following 
simply  the  guidance  of  their  own  hearts.  My  hearers, 
we  were  born  in  the  kingdom  of  darkness.  We  are 
by  birth  the  subjects  of  Satan.  A  man  born  in 
Russia  is  a  subject  of  the  Czar.  He  may  not  know 
it.  He  may  be  so  ignorant  as  never  to  have  heard 
of  his  sovereign.  He  may  know  only  his  own  sur- 
roundings and  go  his  daily  course,  without  ever 
dreaming  that  the  will  of  the  unseen  Emperor  con- 
trols his  destiny,  and  that  his  life  is  spent  in  his 
service.  In  like  manner  the  fact  that  we  ignore  the 
existence  of  Satan,  that  we  have  no  intention  of 
doing  him  service,  is  perfectly  consistent  with  the 
Scriptural  representations  that  we  are  by  birth  his 
subjects,  and  that  our  whole  lives  have  been  an  act 
of  homage  to  his  will.  Let  us  then  lay  this  truth  to 
heart.     We  are  all  engaged  in  this  great  conflict  be- 


BY  THE  REV.  CHARLES  HODGE,  D.  D.      285 

tween  Christ  and  Satan.  "We  all  belong  to  one  or  to 
the  other  of  these  contending  armies,  and  if  ayc 
do  not  intentionally,  consciously,  with  a  sincere  and 
strenuous  purpose  serve  Christ,  we  are  the  servants 
of  the  devil,  we  belong  to  his  kingdom  and  must 
inevitably  share  his  doom. 

Since  we  were  born  the  subjects  of  Satan,  since  by 
birth  we  are  included  in  the  kingdom  of  darkness, 
and  under  the  control  of  the  god  of  this  world,  how 
are  we  to  be  delivered  from  his  power  ?  How  are 
we  to  be  translated  from  the  kingdom  of  darkness  into 
the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son  ?  How  are  we  to  pass 
from  one  side  to  the  other  in  this  momentous  con- 
flict ?  Not  by  an  act  of  the  will.  A  Eussian  serf 
cannot  become  an  English  or  American  citizen  by 
merely  willing  to  effect  the  change  of  allegiance.  It 
does  not  depend  on  his  will.  Willing  or  unwilling 
he  must  remain  in  subjection  to  his  sovereign.  It  is 
no  less  true  that  we  cannot  emancipate  ourselves 
from  the  dominion  of  Satan  by  an  act  of  the  will. 
Because,  in  the  first  place,  the  will  itself  is  enslaved. 
The  god  of  this  world  blinds  the  eyes  of  those  who 
believe  not,  so  that  they  do  not  see  the  glory  of  God 
in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ.  He  so  darkens  their 
understandings  that  when  Christ  is  presented  to 
them,  and  they  are  summoned  to  lay  down  the 
weapons  of  their  rebellion  and  to  enlist  in  his  service, 
there  is  no  beauty  in  him  that  they  desire  him. 
They  prefer  the  service  of  Satan.  They  say  of  the 
Son  of  God,  we  will  not  have  this  man  to  reign  over 
us.  They  dislike  his  service.  They  deliberately 
24^ 


286  FUNERAL   SERMON" 

clioose  to  remain  as  they  are.  Tlieir  reason  and 
conscience  may  indeed  be  convinced  of  tlie  wicked- 
ness and  folly  of  that  decision,  but  reason  and  con- 
science no  more  control  the  state  of  the  heart,  than 
they  quench  the  thirst  of  the  drunkard  and  deliver 
him  from  his  thraldom.  The  change  therefore 
which  we  must  undergo,  is  not  under  the  power  of 
the  will.  This  is  a  matter  of  consciousness.  How 
often  would  the  drunkard  in  hours  of  penitence, 
when  conscience  upbraids,  when  reason  appeals  to 
his  better  nature  and  even  to  his  higher  interests, 
when  wife  and  children,  friends  and  neighbours  ex- 
postulate and  entreat,  how  often  and  gladly  would 
he  renounce  for  ever  his  destructive  habits,  if  a  mere 
volition  could  set  him  free !  And  how  often  have 
you,  my  hearers,  when  under  the  convincing  power 
of  the  truth,  felt  that  you  would  give  the  world  if 
you  could  change  your  hearts,  and  become  true 
Christians !  If  this  great  change  could  be  effected  by 
a  volition;  if  you  could  throw  off  the  power  of 
Satan  and  sin  from  the  heart,  the  affections,  and 
your  inward  life,  and  enter  on  the  glorious  liberty  of 
the  children  of  God,  how  gladly  would  you  have 
done  it  long  ago !  How  gladly  would  you  do  it  now  ! 
But  you  cannot  do  it.  You  cannot  throw  off  the 
dominion  of  an  evil  heart  which  binds  you  to  the 
service  of  Satan.  This,  as  your  conscience  tells  you, 
is  no  excuse.  Your  allegiance  to  the  god  of  this 
world  is  none  the  less  voluntary  because  it  is  thus 
galling.  The  poor  degraded  victim  of  debauchery 
and  crime,  when  he  sees  the  virtuous,  respected  and 


BY   THE   REV.  CHARLES   HODGE,  D.  D.  287 

happy,  in  the  depths  of  his  heart  often  cries  out,  O 
that  I  were  like  them!     He  does  not  thereby  free 
himself  from  the  consciousness  of  guilt.     He  is  not 
thereby  excused  even  in  his  own  eyes.     So  you,  my 
hearers,  when  you  see  the  people  of  God  manifesting 
in  their  faith  and  practice  the  spirit  of  the  gospel, 
and  proving  themselves  to  be  the  true  followers  of 
Christ,  you  too  have  often  cried  out,  0  that  I  too 
were  a  Christian!     With  this  aspiration  after  deliver- 
ance there  is  connected,  however,  the  consciousness 
that  the  deep  under-current  of  the  soul  is  toward 
the  world  and  not  toward  Christ.     And  it  is  this  un- 
der-current which  is  carrying  us  along,  which  we  know 
we  cannot  change.  There  is  but  one  way  of  deliverance. 
We  must  be  redeemed.     One  stronger  than  we  must 
destroy  the  power  of  Satan,  and  deliver  his  captives. 
If  the  Son  make  you  free  you  shall  be  free  indeed. 
The  Eternal  Son  of  God,  who  alone  could  cope  with 
the  god  of  this  world,  has  assumed  our  nature.     He 
came  into  the  world  that  he  might  destroy  the  works 
of  Satan.     He  has  bruised  the  serpent's  head.     He 
has  come  to'  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captive,  and  the 
opening  of  the  prison  to  those  who  are  bound.     No 
human  being  has  ever  passed  from  the  kingdom  of 
Satan  to   the  kingdom  of  Christ,  no  one  has  ever 
changed  sides  in  this  great  conflict  in  which  we  are 
all  of  necessity  engaged,  who  has  not  been  thus  de- 
livered.     He   has   been   subdued   by  the   almighty 
power  of  God.     He  has  been  changed  in  the  inward 
temper  of  his  mind.     He  has   been  brought  by  a 
supernatural  illumination  or  spiritual  revelation  to 


288  FUNEKAL   SERMON 

see  the  divine  excellence  of  Jesus  Christy  to  recog- 
nize tlie  claims  which  the  Son  of  God  has  to  the 
allegiance  of  his  heart,  and  to  the  devotion  of  his 
life,  and,  like  Saul  on  his  way  to  Damascus,  he  has 
fallen  at  his  feet  and  said.  Lord  what  wilt  thou  have 
me  to  do!  This  is  conversion.  This  is  translation 
from  the  kingdom  of  darkness  into  the  kingdom  of 
God's  dear  Son. 

Such  being  the  nature  of  this  change ;  such  being 
the  process  by  which  a  man  becomes  a  Christian,  a 
soldier  of  Christ,  instead  of  a  follower  of  Satan,  it  is 
evident  that  the  inward  principle  of  Divine  life,  that 
which  animates  and  sustains  the  Christian  warrior 
under  all  his  trials,  privations  and  conflicts,  is 
loyalty  to  Jesus  Christ.  It  is  a  deep  sense  of  our 
allegiance  to  him,  of  our  obligation  to  love  him  with 
our  whole  heart  and  soul — with  the  love  of  admira- 
tion for  his  divine  majesty  and  excellence,  and  with 
the  love  of  gratitude  for  his  wonderful  love  to  us,  and 
for  the  infinite  blessings  which  he  secured  for  us, 
Avith  the  love  of  communion  and  reciprocity  for  his 
love  to  us.  It  is  the  consuming  and  controlling 
feeling  that  we  can  never  do  or  suffer  enough  for 
-such  a  Saviour,  so  glorious,  so  lovely,  who  has  done 
and  suffered  so  much  for  us.  This  is  plain  not  only 
from  our  own  experience,  but  from  the  whole  tenor 
and  spirit  of  the  New  Testament,  in  which  love  to 
Christ  and  zeal  for  his  glory  is  the  animating  prin- 
ciple, and  from  the  experience  of  the  whole  church, 
whose  prayers,  and  hymns,  and  religious  life,  are 
one  perpetual,  universal  tribute  of  worship  and  devo- 


BY  THE  REV.  CHARLES  HODGE,  D.  D.     289 

tion  to  Jesus  Christ.  Many  men  are  greatly  mis- 
taken on  this  subject.  They  suppose  that  all  that  is 
necessary  to  make  a  man  a  Christian  is  that  he 
should  be  religious ;  that  he  act  from  a  sense  of  duty 
towards  God,  be  grateful  for  his  mercies,  and  devo- 
tional in  his  feelings.  All  this,  however,  a  Jew  or  a 
Deist  may  do.  Others  adopt  a  still  lower  standard ; 
they  hold  that  to  be  benevolent  is  all  that  is  required. 
If  a  man  is  kind  and  beneficent  to  the  poor,  the  sick, 
the  stranger  and  the  prisoner,  honest  in  his  dealings, 
upright  in  conduct,  they  regard  him  as  a  true 
Christian.  It  is  obvious,  however,  that  a  Pagan  or 
Atheist,  may  be  both  just  and  benevolent.  To  be  a 
Christian  is  to  love  and  worship  Jesus  Christ  as  God 
manifest  in  the  flesh.  It  is  to  receive  him  as  our 
prophet,  priest,  and  king.  It  is  to  be  so  filled  with 
a  sense  of  his  glory,  of  his  love,  and  of  our  -obliga- 
tion to  him,  as  to  be  ready  to  live  and  to  die  for  him. 
If  any  man  come  unto  me,  and  hate  not  his  father 
and  mother,  and  wife,  and  children,  and  brethren 
and  sisters,  yea  and  his  own  life  also,  he  cannot  be 
my  disciple.  It  is  under  the  influence  of  this  love 
of  Christ,  the  Christian  becomes  pure,  benevolent, 
and  just.  A  Christian  has,  and  must  have,  the  re- 
ligion which  reverences  God,  and  delights  in  his 
worship,  and  the  moral  virtues  which  some  would 
exalt  into  the  place  of  Christianity;  but  he  must, 
above  and  beyond  this,  be  the  servant  of  Christ. 
Unless  Christ  be  the  object  of  his  worship  and  of 
supreme  love,  unless  the  will  of  Christ  be  the  rule 
of  his  conduct,  and  the  glory  of  Christ  the  end  for 


290  FUNERAL   SERMON 

■vvhicli  he  lives,  whatever  else  lie  may  be,  he  is  not  a 
Christian.  Let  the  simplicity  of  the  gospel  be  un- 
derstood. Let  men  understand  that  the  only  ques- 
tion for  them  to  decide,  is  whether  they  will  serve 
Christ  or  Satan.  They  cannot  be  merely  religious, 
or  merely  moral,  they  must  conscientiously  devote 
themselves  to  the  service  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  or  they 
continue  the  servants  of  the  devil. 

Such  being  the  nature  of  the  conflict  in  question, 
and  such  the  principle  which  governs  the  Christian 
warrior,  the  object  of  the  conflict  is  thereby  deter- 
mined. Every  contest  is  for  some  object.  The  spe- 
cific object  of  the  Christian  conflict  is  to  bring  our- 
selves and  others  into  subjection  to  Christ.  It  is 
important  that  this  should  be  understood.  It  is  not 
simply  that  we  and  others  should  be  good,  or  in  the 
general  sense  of  the  term,  religious,  but  that  we  and 
all  men  should  recognize  Jesus  Christ  in  his  true 
character,  that  we  should  allow  him  to  rule  in  and  to 
reign  over  us,  and  to  employ  us  in  the  promotion  of 
his  kingdom  and  glory.  This  is  the  only  form  in 
which  religion  and  morality  can  exist.  There  is  no 
true  religion  but  the  worship  of  God  in  Christ,  or 
which  does  not  recognize  Christ  as  the  clearest  reve- 
lation of  God,  and  the  highest  object  of  a  religious 
life ;  and  there  is  no  true  holiness  but  in  obedience  to 
Christ,  i.  e.  in  living  and  acting  under  the  governing 
influence  of  a  desire  to  do  his  will  and  to  be  con- 
formed to  his  image.  It  is  an  entire  delusion  to 
suppose  that  any  man  can  be  religious  or  good 
without  being  a  Christian.     How  can  a  man  be  a 


BY   THE   KEV.  CHARLES   IIODGE,  D.  D.  291 

good  subject  of  a  kingdom  who  does  not  recognize 
and  obey  its  legitimate  sovereign  ?  If  Clirist  be  the 
Eternal  Son  of  God^  and  the  legitimate  Sovereign  of 
the  souls  of  men,  any  thing  short  of  the  cordial  re- 
cognition of  his  claims,  and  of  entire  subjection  to 
his  will,  is  a  rejection  of  him,  and  to  reject  him  is  to 
reject  God.  This  then,  my  hearers,  is  the  specific 
end  of  the  conflict  in  which  we  are  engaged.  It  is 
to  bring  ourselves  and  others  into  subjection  to 
Christ.  And  as  his  kingdom  is  spiritual,  as  it  ex- 
tends over  the  whole  man,  the  reason,  the  conscience, 
the  affections,  the  will  and  the  outward  life,  this 
subjection  implies  that  all  our  judgments  or  convic- 
tions of  truth  should  be  determined  by  his  teachings, 
who  is  the  eternal  Logos  or  reason.  To  agree  with  him, 
therefore,  is  to  agree  with  the  eternal  source  and 
sum  of  truth;  it  is  to  be  in  accordance  with  the  in- 
finite Mind  who  sees  all  things  intuitively  as  they  are. 
To  difier  from  him  is  to  be  in  darkness;  to  be  irra- 
tional or  demented.  Let  men  therefore  not  set  up 
for  themselves,  or  pretend  to  the  folly  of  thinking 
for  themselves.  Let  them  strive  to  be  conformed  to 
the  judgments  or  teachings  of  Christ,  in  whose  light 
we  see  light,  and  who  is  the  true  light  which  light- 
eth  every  man  who  cometh  into  the  world. 

The  conscience  of  man  is  no  more  independent 
than  his  understanding.  We  are  not  to  decide  for 
ourselves  what  is  right  and  what  is  wrong.  The 
endless  diversity  of  opinion  among  men  on  questions 
of  morals,  shows  conscience  to  be  no  infallible  guide. 
Not  only  Pagans  and  Christians,  not  only  different 


292  FUNERAL   SERMON 

denominations  of  Christians^  have  different  views  as 
to  matters  of  duty,  but  Christians  nominally  of  the 
same  class  often  entertain  the  most  discordant  views. 
Some  condemn  all  wars,  others  all  use  of  intoxicating 
liquors,  others  all  slaveholding,  others  all  participa- 
tion in  worldly  amusements.  Every  profession  and 
class  of  business  men  have  their  rules  of  judging 
what  is  right  and  wrong  within  their  respective 
spheres.  What  we  have  to  remember  as  to  this 
point  is,  first,  that  we  cannot  decide  for  ourselves 
what  is  right  or  wrong ;  and  second,  that  others  can- 
not decide  for  us.  We  cannot  assume  the  opinions 
or  conduct  of  other  men  as  a  rule  of  moral  judgment 
for  us,  we  must  submit  the  conscience  to  Christ.  It 
must  be  our  definite  object  to  learn  what  he,  in  any 
case,  would  have  iis  to  do.  This  is  an  indispensable 
part  of  our  allegiance.  To  secure  this  entire  subjec- 
tion of  the  conscience  to  Christ,  is  one  great  part  of 
that  inward  conflict  which  every  Christian  is  called 
upon  to  sustain. 

It  is  however  comparatively  easy  to  subject  the 
reason  and  the  conscience.  It  is  not  so  hard  to  be- 
lieve that  to  be  true  which  the  Infinite  Mind  has 
revealed  as  truth,  and  that  to  be  right  or  wrong 
which  has  been  so  declared  by  the  Infinitely  Holy ;  it 
is  the  heart  which  we  find  so  difficult  to  restrain  and 
govern.  To  keep  down  all  unholy  feelings,  to  bring 
into  constant  exercise  the  humility,  the  meekness, 
the  forbearance,  the  deference  to  others,  the  love  to 
God  and  man,  which  the  law  of  Christ  requires,  this 
is  the  hard  part  of  the  believer's  conflict.     Just  in 


BY  THE  REV.  CHARLES  HODGE,  D.  D.     293 

proportion  tliat  Christ's  anthority  is  established 
within,  will  it  be  manifested  in  the  oatward  life.  And 
this  struggle  must  go  on  until  every  proud  thought 
and  high  imagination  shall  be  brought  down,  until 
every  judgment  as  to  truth  and  duty,  and  every 
exercise  of  the  will  and  affections,  until  in  short,  the 
whole  inward  and  outward  life,  be  brought  into  entire 
subjection  to  the  mind  of  Christ. 

In  like  manner  in  reference  to  others,  the  whole 
end  of  the  Christian  conflict  is  to  bring  men  to  re- 
cognize Jesus  Christ  as  their  God  and  Saviour,  and 
to  subject  their  understandings,  conscience,  heart, 
and  life  to  his  authority.  This  was  the  definite 
object  for  which  Paul  lived  and  laboured.  He  every- 
where endeavoured  to  persuade  men  that  Jesus  is  the 
Son  of  God.  He  constantly  resisted  every  form  of 
doctrine  not  consistent  with  his  word.  He  pro- 
nounced any  man  accursed,  yea,  any  angel,  who 
should  preach  any  other  gospel.  He  resisted  the 
Judaizers  in  Corinth  and  Galatia,  and  the  philoso- 
phizers  in  Colosse  and  Ephesus.  Everywhere  he 
fought  a  good  fight.  He  kept  the  faith.  He  de- 
clared the  whole  counsel  of  God.  This  is  the  fight 
in  which  every  Christian  is  engaged.  He  is  enlisted 
in  a  perpetual  war  against  all  Pagan,  Mohammedan, 
Popish,  rationalistic,  or  philosophical  false  doctrine. 
He  must  contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the 
saints.  Paul  exhorted  the  Philippians  to  stand  fast 
in  one  spirit,  striving  together  for  the  faith  of  the 
gospel.  There  is  no  greater  treason  towards  Christ 
as  the  God  of  truth,  than  giving  up  the  doctrines 
25 


294  FUNERAL   SERMON 

whicli  he  lias  committed  to  tlie  cliurcli  for  tlie  salva- 
tion of  men.  We  bring  in  the  millennium  when  we 
bring  all  men  thns  to  love  and  worship  Christ,  thus 
to  believe  his  doctrines,  and  to  obey  his  will.  This 
is  the  only  way  in  which  the  good  of  society,  or  the 
conversion  of  the  world  can  be  promoted.  This  is 
the  mission  of  the  church  and  of  all  her  members, 
and  therefore,  while  here  on  earth  she  is  and  must 
remain  the  church  militant.  Men  will  call  out  for 
peace.  They  will  clamor  for  the  cessation  of  con- 
troversy. They  will  denounce  as  bigots  all  who  are 
zealous  for  the  truth.  This  is  part  of  the  heat  and  dust 
of  the  conflict  which  we  are  called  to  sustain.  We 
must  endure  to  be  evil  spoken  of.  We  must  expect 
to  be  denounced  as  men  who  turn  the  world  upside 
down.  But  we  must  with  humility,  meekness  and 
love,  hold  fast  the  truth,  and  insist  that  obedience 
to  the  faith  is  an  essential  part  of  the  allegiance 
which  every  man  owes  to  Christ. 

We  have  seen  that  we  are  of  necessity  partakers 
of  a  conflict  which  is  going  on  around  us ;  that  by 
birth  we  have  our  position  in  the  kingdom  of  dark- 
ness; that  the  change  by  which  we  are  translated 
from  the  kingdom  of  Satan  into  Christ's  kingdom  is 
not  dependent  on  our  will,  but  is  effected  by  the 
power  of  Christ,  and  consists  in  the  recognition  of 
Christ  as  our  God  and  Saviour.  Hence,  it  follows, 
that  the  principle  of  the  Christian  life  is  loyalty  to 
Christ,  not  piety,  not  benevolence.  Hence,  also,  the 
end  of  this  conflict  is  to  bring  ourselves  and  others 
into  obedience  to  Christ.     This  obedience  includes  the 


BY  THE  REV.  CHARLES  HODGE,  D.  D.      295 

subjection  of  tlie  understanding,  conscience,  heart, 
and  life.  It  is  the  same  with  regard  to  others.  It 
remains  only  to  remark  that  the  weapons  of  this 
warfare  are  not  carnal.  Overcoming  Satan  and 
bringing  ourselves  or  others  into  subjection  to  Christ, 
is  not  a  natural  process.  It  is  not  a  matter  of  moral 
culture  or  discipline.  It  belongs  to  an  entirely  dif- 
ferent sphere.  It  is  a  supernatural  work,  carried  on 
by  divinely  appointed  means,  which  means  are  in 
themselves  entirely  inadequate  and  inoperative,  but 
which  are  rendered  effectual  by  the  Almighty  power 
of  the  Spirit  of  God.  Hence,  the  Apostle  makes 
hope,  righteousness,  faith,  zeal,  prayer  and  the  word 
of  God  the  panoply  of  the  Christian — the  armour  of 
offence  and  defence  by  which  he  is  to  overcome  the 
powers  of  darkness;  not  only  the  evils  of  his  own 
heart,  and  the  ignorance,  errors,  and  vices  of  men, 
but  the  whole  power  of  Satan,  the  dreadful  hierarchy 
of  hell,  the  principalities,  the  powers,  the  world- 
rulers,  spiritual  wickednesses  in  high  places. 

The  issue  in  all  worldly  conflicts  is  more  or  less 
uncertain.  Multitudes,  even  of  the  victors,  receive 
no  benefit  from  their  success ;  but  in  this  conflict  cer- 
tain triumph  and  an  eternal  weight  of  glory  are  the 
portion  of  every  soldier,  however  humble  his  position. 
He  may  be  unknown  by  name  to  any  but  the  most 
restricted  circle,  and  yet  the  King  whom  he  serves  will 
secure  to  him  complete  success  over  all  his  enemies. 
His  own  soul  shall  be  delivered  from  every  defile- 
ment, and  be  presented  at  last  faultless  before  the 
throne  of  His  glory.     Success  also  is  to  crown  the 


296  FUNERAL  SERMON. 

soldiers  of  Christ  in  their  contest  with  error  and 
vice  in  the  world.  The  time  is  to  come  when  the 
knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  cover  the  earth.  That 
is,  when  every  one  shall  know  and  acknowledge 
that  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God  and  Saviour  of  the 
world,  and  when  every  heart  shall  be  filled  with  his 
love,  and  all  lives  devoted  to  his  service;  when 
there  shall  be  nothing  to  hurt  or  destroy  in  all  the 
mountain  of  the  Lord.  There  is  to  be  a  still  more 
complete  and  glorious  triumph  when  Christ  shall 
come  to  be  admired  in  all  them  that  believe. 

The  ancient  Eomans  were  accustomed  to  grant  a 
public  triumph  to  their  successful  generals.  Every 
faithful  soldier  of  the  cross  as  he  lays  down  his 
weapons  in  the  grave,  is  borne  through  the  ranks  of 
rejoicing  angels  up  to  the  throne  of  God,  and  re- 
ceives from  the  hands  of  his  King  that  crown  of 
righteousness  which  fadeth  not  away.  Let  us  not 
strive  for  the  honours  or  offices  of  this  life.  Let  us 
strive  for  that  nobler  reward  which  awaits  the  ser- 
vants of  the  Lord  in  that  day.  Let  us  follow  the 
example  of  those  who  have  fought  a  good  fight  and 
kept  the  faith. 


RECOLLECTIONS  OF  DE.  JANEWAY, 

BY  THE  REV.  NICHOLAS   MURRAY,  D.  D. 


Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  September  8,  1S60. 

It  was  at  the  close  of  the  winter  session  of  tlie 
Theological  Seminary  at  Princeton,  in  1827,  that  I 
first  saw  Dr.  Jacob  J.  Janeway.  He  was  then  a 
little  past  mid-life,  but  rotund  in  form,  placid  in 
aspect,  in  vigorous  health,  with  black  hair,  a  firm 
step,  and  dignified  bearing.  There  seemed  to  be  a 
little  too  much  dignity  mingled  with  his  other 
qualities ;  so  much  so  as  to  give  him  the  air  of  cold 
reserve.  As  I  entered  a  coach  for  Trenton,  the  day 
after  the  term  closed,  there  to  take  the  Steamer  for 
Philadelphia,  I  found  Dr.  Janeway  reclining  on  its 
back  seat,  obviously  in  pain.  I  was  introduced  to 
him  by  Dr.  Miller,  and  requested  to  take  care  of  him. 
This  I  did  to  the  best  of  my  ability.  I  led  him  to  a 
sofa  on  the  Steamer,  and  covered  him  as  I  could. 
On  reaching  the  city  I  secured  a  carriage  and  con- 
veyed him  to  his  house,  in  Arch  Street.  He  was 
carried  from  the  coach  to  his  bed,  a  very  sick  man. 
For  some  days  fears  were  entertained  for  his  life; 
but  his  disease  yielded  to  remedies,  and  he  was 
spared  to  be  a  blessing  to  the  church  for  many  years 
afterwards. 

25^ 


298  KECOLLECTIONS   OF   DK.  JANEWAY, 

Such  was  my  first  acquaintance  with  Dr.  Janeway 
and  his  family.  During  my  subsequent  residence 
for  a  year  in  Philadelphia,  I  mostly  attended  his 
ministry,  was  a  frequent  inmate  of  his  family,  and 
enjoyed  many  opportunities  of  meeting  with  him  in 
public  and  private ;  and  my  love  for  the  man  grew 
in  the  proportion  of  my  acquaintance  with  his 
character,  and  the  principles  that  governed  him. 
When  he  went  to  the  Seminary  at  Allegheny,  as 
Professor  of  Theology,  I  seriously  canvassed  the 
question  of  going  there  with  him.  And  when  I  was 
ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  Wilkesbarre, 
Pennsylvania,  he  went  there  to  preach  my  ordination 
sermon,  and  to  lead  in  the  service  by  which  I  was 
set  apart,  by  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  Pres- 
bytery. And  onward  to  the  close  of  his  life,  it  was 
my  privilege  to  be  on  terms  of  the  most  fraternal  in- 
tercourse with  him.  : 

Those  who  knew  Dr.  Janeway  only  as  a  public 
man,  did  not  know  him  at  all.  He  was  a  man  of 
few  words  to  strangers.  His  principles  were  fixed- 
He  was  an  out  and  out  Presbyterian.  He  knew 
nothing  about  expediency ;  and  where  principle  was 
concerned,  he  was  as  unbending  as  a  pillar  of  iron. 
You  might  flatter  him,  or  abuse  him,  or  outvote  him, 
but  he  could  coolly  stand  any  thing  for  the  sake  of 
his  principles.  This  made  him  unpopular  with 
many;  and  even  with  some  as  orthodox  as  himself, 
but  with  more  policy;  and  they  judged  him  accord- 
ingly. But  in  private  he  was  communicative,  and 
genial;  and  warmhearted,  to  a  remarkable  degree. 


BY  THE   REV.  NICHOLAS  MURRAY,  D.  D.  299 

And  whilst  firmly  attaclied  to  his  own  opinions,  and 
to  his  own  church,  he  exercised  the  broadest  charity 
toward  all  who  loved  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sin- 
cerity and  truth.  No  person  could  fully  know  Dr. 
Janeway,  without  esteeming  his  principles,  and 
loving  him  as  a  man. 

We  knew  him  after  he  had  passed  the  acme  of 
his  years.  We  had  often  heard  of  his  great  popu- 
larity as  a  preacher  in  his  youth ;  but  our  recollec- 
tions of  him  are  those  of  a  sound,  sensible,  substan- 
tial preacher.  If  not  eloquent,  he  was  istructive;  if 
not  flashy,  he  was  solid ;  if  he  did  not  excite  the  fancy, 
he  touched  the  heart.  Sensible  people  were  pleased 
with  him.  And  this  was  apparent  from  the  congrega- 
tion which  sat  under  his  ministry  at  the  corner  of  Third 
and  Arch  Streets,  in  which  were  such  men  as  Charles 
Chauncey,  Alexander  Henry,  and  Robert  Ralston, 
But  few  such  congregationns  were  to  be  found  in  the 
land  for  intelligence,  wealth,  and  liberality.  Genius 
and  rhetoric  are  not  to  be  despised  in  the  ministry ; 
but  common  sense,  diligence,  humility,  piety,  are 
gifts  far  to  be  preferred.  And  these  Dr.  Janeway 
possessed  to  an  eminent  degree.  The  comet  blazes 
and  attracts,  and  soon  burns  out ;  but  the  sun,  moon, 
and  stars  always  shine.  An  occasional  Niagara  is 
very  well ;  it  attracts  the  wonder-seeking,  and  the 
wonder-loving;  but  the  gently  flowing  rivers  are 
those  which  bless  and  fertilize  the  country. 

Dr.  Janeway  was  also  a  truly  benevolent  man. 
lie  had  a  heart  and  hand  for  every  good  work ;  and 
when  he   had   retired  from  active  pastoral  life,  he 


300  RECOLLECTIONS   OF   DR.  JANEWAY, 

found  abundant  employment  in  preacliing  in  vacant 
churclies,  in  assisting  his  brethren,  and  in  aiding  in 
every  effort  to  glorify  God,  and  do  good  to  men. 
There  was  not  a  Board  of  his  own  church  with 
which  he  was  not  in  some  way  connected ;  nor  was 
there  a  great  society  in  the  land  which  had  not 
his  sympathies,  his  contributions,  and  his  prayers. 
Blessed  with  a  large  paternal  inheritance,  he  did  not 
dig  in  the  earth  and  hide  his  Lord's  money;  as  a 
faithful  steward,  he  generously  used  it  for  the  pro- 
motion of  every  good  work.  Whatever  met  with 
his  approval,  met  also  with  his  most  generous 
support. 

Dr.  Janeway  outlived  his  own  generation ;  and 
that  amid  which  he  died  only  saw  the  faded  remains 
of  what  he  once  was.  Without  a  stain  upon  his  fair 
character,  he  lived  on  to  his  four-score  years ;  and 
whilst  his  lot  was  cast  in  the  days  of  exciting  and 
angry  controversy,  and  with  which  he  had  not  a 
little  to  do,  we  know  not  that  his  principles,  his 
integrity,  his  unyielding  honesty,  were  ever  called  in 
question  by  his  most  vigorous  opponent.  The 
part  that  he  took  in  the  defence  and  extension 
of  our  Presbyterianism — in  the  founding  of  our 
Seminaries  and  Colleges — in  the  establishment  and 
support  of  all  our  Boards,  entitles  him  to  a  place 
with  Green,  Alexander,  Miller,  Baxter,  Rice,  among 
the  fathers  of  the  church,  which  he  so  faithfully 
served. 

N.  MURRAY. 


RECOLLECTIONS  OF  DR.  JANEWAY, 


BY  THE   REV.  W.  M.  ENGLES,  D.  D. 


Philadelphia,  November  17,  1859. 

Eev.  Thomas  L.  Jane  way,  D.  D. — My  Dear 
Brother  : — I  am  gratified  to  learn  that  you  have  in 
preparation  a  memorial  of  your  late  excellent  father. 
One  who  accomplished  a  pilgrimage  of  four-score 
years  with  a  purity  of  purpose  and  conduct  which 
defied  censoriousness,  and  who,  through  a  long  minis- 
terial career,  exhibited  so  much  steadfastness  and 
singleness  of  mind,  is  worthy  of  being  held  in  ever- 
lasting remembrance. 

My  first  introduction  to  your  father  was  at  an 
interesting  period  of  my  life,  when  I  received  a 
license  to  preach  the  gospel  as  a  probationer,  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  from  that  time 
to  the  close  of  his  life,  I  was  honoured  by  his  friend- 
ship. Although  much  his  inferior  in  age,  acquire- 
ments, and  position,  I  was  irresistibly  attached  to 
him  by  those  condescending  and  genial  attentions^ 
which  many  in  his  situation  would  have  withheld, 
but  which  were  nevertheless  peculiarly  grateful  to  a 


802  EECOLLECTIONS  OF   DR.  JANEWAY, 

young  man  who  needed  wise  counsel,  in  just  entering 
upon  the  duties  and  dangers  of  public  life.  Tlie 
pleasant  intercourse  thus  initiated  was  never  inter- 
rupted. In  visiting  him  as  a  friend  I  uniformly 
found  him  kind,  frank  and  cordial,  and  in  soliciting 
his  advice  I  had  always  reason  to  admire  his  great 
practical  wisdom. 

It  always  appeared  to  me  that  your  father  never 
betrayed  the  variableness  of  a  merely  impulsive 
man ;  he  acted  from  fixed  principle,  and  habitually 
did  what  he  had,  in  this  way,  settled  to  be  right ;  so 
that  under  any  supposable  circumstances  it  might 
readily  be  foreseen  how  he  would  act.  This  natu- 
rally inspired  confidence  in  him  as  a  perfectly 
conscientious  and  reliable  man.  I  have  seen  him  in 
various  positions,  many  of  which  were  calculated  to 
try  his  temper  and  test  the  stability  of  his  principles, 
and  I  cannot  now  recall  a  single  instance  in  which 
his  course  of  procedure  was  not  precisely  in  accord- 
ance with  the  high  Christian  character  which  he  had 
so  consistently  maintained.  While  he  was  earnest 
and  tenacious  in  enforcing  his  own  opinions,  he  could 
bear  to  be  opposed  and  even  defeated,  without  undue 
irritation,  a  grace,  which  it  has  often  appeared  to  me, 
ministers  were  particularly  slow  in  acquiring. 

In  his  habits,  your  father  was  an  example  to 
younger  ministers  for  his  system  and  punctuality. 
He  was  systematic  in  his  studies,  his  pastoral  visita- 
tions, and  even  in  his  exercise  for  health ;  and  in  regard 
to  punctuality  he  was  seldom  absent  from  appoint- 
ments, perhaps   I   should   say,  never   without   suf- 


BY   THE   REV.  W.  M.  ENGLES,  D.  D.  303 

ficient  cause.     This  is  my  conviction  from  long  in- 
timacy with  him  as  a  co-presbyter. 

As  a  theologian  he  was  exact  in  his  knowledge, 
and  according  to  my  notions,  unmistakably  sound  in 
his  views  of  divine  truth.  The  system  which  he 
honestly  professed,  he  tenaciously  held  and  boldly 
defended  at  a  period  of  the  church's  history,  when 
novelties  in  doctrine  were  fashionable  and  ''the  good 
old  way"  was  held  up  to  ridicule  as  an  effete  and 
antiquated  theology.  What  he  wrote  and  published 
on  theological  subjects  was  clear,  and  cogent,  and 
well  worthy  of  preservation. 

In  the  pulpit,  while  he  displayed  little  of  the 
rhetorician  or  poet,  he  was  always  in  earnest,  and 
had  "  well  beaten  oil"  to  afford  light  to  those  who 
waited  in  the  sanctuary. 

To  all  these  and  other  traits  ofpersonal  and  minis- 
terial character  you  have,  no  doubt,  much  better  and 
more  definite  testimony  than  I  can  offer.  Towards 
the  close  of  your  father's  life,  when  his  robust  frame 
began  to  give  way  to  disease,  and  his  well-ordered 
mind  gave  some  tokens  of  a  failure  of  its  powers,  I 
had  several  interviews  with  him,  during  which  he 
expressed  a  confident  hope  in  the  ''sure  covenant," 
and  manifested  the  same  earnest  zeal  for  the  truth 
which  he  had  ever  done. 

A  character  so  uniform  as  was  his,  and  a  life  so 
steady,  regular  and  chastened,  may  furnish  few  re- 
markable incidents  to  impart  zest  to  a  biography; 
but  in  their  whole  tenor  there  was  so  much  beauty 
and  loveliness,  that   none   could   have  known   Dr. 


304  RECOLLECTIONS   OF   DR.  JANEWAY. 

Janeway  without  being  persuaded  that  he  was  an 
eminently  good  and  holy  man,  and  in  the  higher 
traits  of  character  a  model.  A  life  so  well  spent; 
in  which  so  little  was  squandered,  is  just  such  an  one 
as  death  cou.ld  only  interfere  with,  in  order  to  per- 
petuate it  in  more  genial  climes, 

.  Yours  most  truly, 

WM.  M.  ENGLES. 


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